October 11, 2011

“But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.”

     On every sports team there is a captain. His job is to be the leader of the team in every way. He is the one who gets on player’s case who is slacking, rather that be in school or in the games. The captain has to set the standards. But if the he does not set the example in the class room and on the field, then he has no position to correct his teammates. He must look at his work ethic, his grades, and his character first, before he can say anything to them. I think this verse ties in with responsibility, which has been a topic the last few days here at the ranch.

Application:

     I’ll be the one to initiate cleaning in the men’s dorm every weekend so that it always gets done.

“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” 2^nd Thessalonians 3:10

October 10, 2011

“For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Galatians 6:3

     Everything that I am capable of doing is because of Jesus. More than that, everything I am, everything about me, Jesus created it all. When I accomplish something that deserves an earthly reward, I have no right to be cocky about it or even think that I did it on my own strength. I am not too good for anything or anyone. And if we think like we are, then we are living a great lie.

Application:

     I will keep this in mind and do my best to give God the glory for everything He accomplishes through me.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6).

numbers

October 7, 2011

“Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”

Acts 2:46

     I read this and instantly get a feeling of unity. What does it mean to be united? It’s when two or more are in agreement and stand together for something. As the body of Christ, we need to be united and have the same goal in mind, which should be the great Commission (Matthew 28:19). If a thousand people are a part of the same congregation but every individual has their own agendas, and no unity is amongst them, they will not make even a little impact on the world. But if a thousand people came together with the same goal and motivation, with the right leader in place, they could do such incredible things for the Kingdom of God! One person can only do so much, but if the entire body of Christ unites for a common purpose, then revival could be around the corner. In battle, if your army is not united in every way and you don’t have each other’s back, then the enemy already has you beat.

Application:

     When I’m on the field, I’m going to remember that I have my army right beside me and I am not alone. When the devil tries to bring me down and mess with my head, I will cling first and foremost to Jesus, but also communicate with those around me and tell them what I am going through so that they can help me fight the good fight.

“For where two or here have gathered together in My name, I am in there midst.” (Matthew 18:20)

compassion

October 6, 2011

“And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.”

Acts 2:45

     As I read this I can easily think of dozens of homeless friends back home who are going hungry every day, have one pair of clothes, and are very lonely. People are in need all around us! How often do we see the homeless man (or woman) at the end of the street holding up a sign begging for a piece of bread? We are so quick to judge them and call them lazy when we haven’t even talked to them and don’t know their story. This is not meant make one feel guilty for having a cell phone, computer, a house to sleep in, and three meals a day, but is meant to make one realize that we have all these things for a reason; and that is to bless others. Jesus instructs us to do this: “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21). Jesus painted a very clear picture for us.

Application:

     I’m going to keep this mindset and continue to minister to the homeless people of San Diego as long as I live there. I will also try to think of ways to make the ministry that I’m involved in grow.

friendship

October 5, 2011

“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common.”

Acts 2:44

     Here at PFR (Potter’s Field Ranch), we all come from completely different backgrounds. We have people from California, Utah, Philadelphia, Oregon, Colorado, and Florida (Paige has been everywhere it would take too long to list all the places she’s lived). A couple days ago at dinner a few of us were eating together and we all stopped, looked at each other at the exact same time, and then Paige said “We are all so different.” This gave us a good laugh but when I think about it, it couldn’t be truer. We all like different things, come from different cultures, and we’ve all been through completely different situations in life. However, the one thing that binds our friendships together is the main thing we all have in common; we are all here for the same reason, which is to hear from God, and be discipled so that we can disciple others. From another standpoint, this actually makes us the same in many different ways in terms of seeking the Lord. It’s so cool to see God bring a random group of people together who are seeking the same thing! We’re all in this together, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Of course I miss my family back home, but I have a new family right here, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Application:

     I’m going to make sure I do my part to maintain these unforgettable friendships that I’ve made.

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

    

October 4^th 2011

“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.”

Acts 2:43

     If we fully, completely, without a doubt understood and grasped what Jesus went through for us, I think we would be more extreme in our faith. The Passion of the Christ demonstrates very accurately what happened to Jesus the day of the crusifiction. We watch that movie; we cringe, cry, scream, and even turn away sometimes because it’s so hard to visualize the pain He endured. Jesus deserves us to be in awe of Him! I believe we often become comfortable or casual with our walk with the Lord. I am definitely guilty of this. Imagine if Jesus just chose to pass up that sacrifice. A relationship with Him wouldn’t even be an option. “Everyone KEPT feeling a sense of awe.”

Application:

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20. I’m going to memorize this verse and remember to never get comfortable with where I’m at, but to keep staying in awe of the Lord.

fellowship

October 3, 2011

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Acts 2:42

      Most of the interns left this weekend, now it’s just me and seven others. For the next two months this will be my family. I was really sad because I became close with so many of the ones who just deployed, but I know God has me with this group for a reason, and I am excited to see what He does in us. “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1^st John 1:7). The verse also talks about the breaking of bread and prayer. How important it is to be in a constant state of prayer! Prayer is power, especially when two or more are gathered to pray in unison. But I know that personally I need to always be willing to pray to the Lord, even if I’m not having quiet time.

Application:

     I’m going to live each of the members of my team up in my daily prayers throughout the week.