Welcome 2015!
That sounds so futuristic! I thank God that he has allowed me to see another year dawn. I haven't written in a while– I guess I got caught up in life. And dragged down by it. Even though I sometimes don't want to "sacrifice" time to slow down, journal, and reflect, I know deep down that this activity makes my ministry and thought life more meaningful.
There is no way that I can cover everything that's happened in the gap, so I'll just say a few words that will give you a taste of what has transpired:
1. Lust, repentance, repeat, sought (seeking) help
2. Ministry ups and downs
3. My son, Jackson, growing so smart, happy, and disobedient
4. Sarah and I maturing as parents and partners
5. Koinonia young adult ministry up again– Singles Study
6. Church moving to Pasadena Christian School– I'm working 3rd Sat/Sun's to set up & break down
7. Seeking a more disciplined life
This last point is what I want to write about today. My wife lovingly gave me several ministry books for Christmas. Included in the gift was a two-day spiritual retreat at Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside. There, I did not receive any revolutionary revelations, but I did sense God telling me that it was time to make a change regarding my physical well-being. Specifically, I need to lose weight. I did not go in praying for a New Years Resolution, but laying down in prayer, struggling to breathe at times, I sensed a deep frustration and helplessness, then I sensed the Lord telling me that I have the ability right now to make a change. I got up and for the first time in a few years I did a few sets of sit-ups and jogged in place. That night, I developed the conviction to lose 30 pounds– no time limit, no pressure to exercise the way I used to, but a clear call to exercise. This was only a few days ago but I've kept my commitment by jogging and changing my eating patterns. I'm working with Sarah to find the best times for our family for me to steal away to work out each week.
"Thank you, God, for giving me the grace to take action on the works you have called me to do. Amen."
"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.' " - Acts 9:3-6
The purpose of this blog is to discuss Christian Evangelism and it's place in today's world. I am a Christian, so many of my posts will have that bias. Nevertheless, all are welcome to respond to any post. I honestly desire to hear other viewpoints. All I ask, however, is that you abstain from profanity, vulgar language, and personal attacks. All else is fair game.
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I grew up in a Christian household but didn't know Christ. My parents taught me "the basics" about Jesus- that he died for my sins, that he was Lord and Savior, son of God. Even though I knew these things, I was still a sinner on the road to Hell. For having a head knowledge of the facts of Jesus does NOT make you a Christian. Sometime during my years in middle school, God started working in my heart. I developed a curiousity about the Bible. I wanted to know what was in the book I claimed to believe in. And after being dumped by a girl I fell in love with, I really wondered what I was living for. Up until now I had been flirting with God, cracking open the pages of the bible, skimming them without commitment. One night, however, an uneasiness came over me. Determined to prove that I was a good person, I went to the Bible and took a serious look. To my surprise, I discovered how utterly sinful I was and, according to scripture, deserving of Hell. Scared, confused, desperate, I buried myself in the pages, looking for an escape. I found it in Jesus Christ. That night, on my living room floor, I poured my heart out to Jesus, admitting my faults, my sins, and entrusting my life to him, never to turn back. I am a changed man.
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