Well the summer is officially over and i have been back into the states. Our CCP to Singapore is officially over, but I trust that our labor is still being used in advancing the kingdom of God forward. I truly apologize for the lengthy time since my last blog, but with it I bring good news. The Lord was doing much in Singapore. Our team as we built friendships with many students and Singaporeans all seemed to face a common problem... There were not enough hours in the day to meet with all the non-Christians that want to meet with us and not only hang out with us, but investigate who Jesus is, and what did He claim, and why does everything hinge on Jesus and what He said about Himself. What a good problem to have.
The Lord taught me the most this summer about ministry. Through my personal time with God in the Word, through seminars and talks, through personal development and reading, and through the Holy Spirit molding my heart, everything I did and read, the Lord was breaking my heart for the Lost. Going into the summer, my biggest prayer for personal sanctification was that the Holy Spirit would give me the compassion for the lost that Jesus did in places like Matt 9. That as I walk on my university or down the street, or anywhere that I go, that as I look to the crowds, I desire to see people as God see's them. That without Jesus no one has any hope. Without the gospel no one has any hope. So how can we, how can I who have been saved and given the gospel and Jesus, can I continue to be as passive as I often am, when there is so much at stake. Now I am def not saying that I have the same compassion for people as Jesus did, but the Holy Spirit is transforming me drastically more into Christ's image. Now He taught me many more things about principles in ways that Jesus did ministry both in discipleship and evangelism, but the Lord really challenged me and broke me with the necessity of urgent evangelism. I'm not saying we are to proclaim on every street corners, but we are to live missionally where ever we go in two ways. We are to proclaim the love of Christ with our mouth be sharing, and also proclaim the love of Christ with our lives by demonstrating it.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Does Prayer Work?
Yesterday, the CCP team and I were on a public bus headed to work a soccer like tournament (futsol) that we were going to be volunteering at for the day. We partnered with the church that we have been attending since here in Singapore. It was awesome to hang out all the guys and just love on and serve all the teams who came out to play in the tournament. I was so encouraged to see Covenant church put on events like this in their local communities.
Anyway, as I was riding on the bus, I was standing waiting for our stop to come up, when a man entered and struggled with his cane to make it to a seat where he could sit and rest for just a moment. The man did not appear to be all that old (probably in his 50's) but there was something obvious to all who saw him that he was in great pain and could not even sit still for a moment as he would reach and stretch to find some position that would even offer a hint of lesser pain. Now, I would not describe myself in the least bit as charismatic, nor would anyone who knows me, but there was no doubt inside of me, the Holy Spirit was challenging me to go over and ask this man if I could lay a hand on him and pray for him. At first I thought it was my timidity that kept me from journeying over to this man, or maybe the excuse of not wanting to offend this man or any of the many different religious persons on this bus by publicly and verbally praying for this man.
For the rest on the day, I wrestled with and pondered why I acted timidly when I know that I have not been given a Spirit of timidity but one of power (2 Timothy 1:7). Late that afternoon, the Lord hit me with the reality of the truth of why I kept silent. I genuinely believe that every word of mine in prayer God hears. I completely believe that as I confess sin that He hears me and is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). I wholeheartedly believe that He can do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). My fight is to believe that when I come to the Lord and ask Him for things, like to raise up laborers, or to heal random men on a bus, or any other thing, that my prayer actually effects whether or not God chooses act. We all, with myself definitely included all say that we believe in prayer, but I challenge you to examine your heart as to whether you consistently do it out of consistency, tradition, duty, or is it out of worship, compassion for those your praying for, and true belief that the Lord, King of Kings, our Heavenly Father not only hears us, but will answer.
I have been so convicted of how religion and performance are constantly in my life. Thank goodness that God is even faithful and stronger than my religion and tradition to forgive. It reminds me of Isaiah 64:6
"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment"
I would ask you all to pray for me and be reminded at the same time that for believers, we have been adopted into the family of God. I'm so thankful He chooses to use language like family, and chooses to call Himself, "our Father". Pray that as I seek to trust Him for to work in my life (growing my heart for Him and the things He loves and hate for the things that He hates) and through my life, I would pray expectantly knowing the God of creation hears my voice and longs to be intimate with me and provide for His children. I love yall! The church in Singapore (body of believers) is multiplying. For God is making a name for Himself among the nations.
Anyway, as I was riding on the bus, I was standing waiting for our stop to come up, when a man entered and struggled with his cane to make it to a seat where he could sit and rest for just a moment. The man did not appear to be all that old (probably in his 50's) but there was something obvious to all who saw him that he was in great pain and could not even sit still for a moment as he would reach and stretch to find some position that would even offer a hint of lesser pain. Now, I would not describe myself in the least bit as charismatic, nor would anyone who knows me, but there was no doubt inside of me, the Holy Spirit was challenging me to go over and ask this man if I could lay a hand on him and pray for him. At first I thought it was my timidity that kept me from journeying over to this man, or maybe the excuse of not wanting to offend this man or any of the many different religious persons on this bus by publicly and verbally praying for this man.
For the rest on the day, I wrestled with and pondered why I acted timidly when I know that I have not been given a Spirit of timidity but one of power (2 Timothy 1:7). Late that afternoon, the Lord hit me with the reality of the truth of why I kept silent. I genuinely believe that every word of mine in prayer God hears. I completely believe that as I confess sin that He hears me and is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). I wholeheartedly believe that He can do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). My fight is to believe that when I come to the Lord and ask Him for things, like to raise up laborers, or to heal random men on a bus, or any other thing, that my prayer actually effects whether or not God chooses act. We all, with myself definitely included all say that we believe in prayer, but I challenge you to examine your heart as to whether you consistently do it out of consistency, tradition, duty, or is it out of worship, compassion for those your praying for, and true belief that the Lord, King of Kings, our Heavenly Father not only hears us, but will answer.
I have been so convicted of how religion and performance are constantly in my life. Thank goodness that God is even faithful and stronger than my religion and tradition to forgive. It reminds me of Isaiah 64:6
"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment"
I would ask you all to pray for me and be reminded at the same time that for believers, we have been adopted into the family of God. I'm so thankful He chooses to use language like family, and chooses to call Himself, "our Father". Pray that as I seek to trust Him for to work in my life (growing my heart for Him and the things He loves and hate for the things that He hates) and through my life, I would pray expectantly knowing the God of creation hears my voice and longs to be intimate with me and provide for His children. I love yall! The church in Singapore (body of believers) is multiplying. For God is making a name for Himself among the nations.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Taste of Heaven
This past week, I heard a quote about Jonathan Edwards, an 18th century Puritan preacher who was said to have taken 10-15 minutes every day just to sit and dream and mediate on what Heaven might be like. I have found that even in only being a Christian for about 3 and a half years, it is so easy to focus on doing stuff and getting tasks done such as disciplines of the faith (Studying the Word, Prayer, sharing my faith, Scripture memory, etc.) that I often get weary because I'm running the Christian marathon often with my head down. We must never forget what the prize is that awaits us. In some sense, we have already received the prize in knowing Christ since eternity begun in November of 2007 for me (John 17:3), but there is much to long for and look forward to when my God and Heavenly Father calls me home to Zion to dwell with Him forever. One day, I will be in the presence of my God who bore the cross in order to adopt me into His family.
This morning as we worshiped through song at Covenant Church in Singapore, I opened my eyes to see a young boy no older than 12 or 13 who has a form of autism jumping with arms high worshiping his Heavenly Father as his earthly father was doing the exact same thing right beside him. In this instance, I could not do anything but imagine that this must be a glimpse of the beauty of what Heaven must be like. Also, I was overwhelmed with joy to be reminded of the Gospel and Jesus always saying things like "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Jesus died for the most unlikely of people and I know this because He died for me.
My prayer this Sabbath is that you will all be refreshed by the gospel that has saved you if you are a child of God, and that you be reminded of the promise of what is to come. That even though all believers who wish to be Godly will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12), our great God and Savior will bring us home to Zion to dwell with Him and worship Him forever.
This morning as we worshiped through song at Covenant Church in Singapore, I opened my eyes to see a young boy no older than 12 or 13 who has a form of autism jumping with arms high worshiping his Heavenly Father as his earthly father was doing the exact same thing right beside him. In this instance, I could not do anything but imagine that this must be a glimpse of the beauty of what Heaven must be like. Also, I was overwhelmed with joy to be reminded of the Gospel and Jesus always saying things like "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Jesus died for the most unlikely of people and I know this because He died for me.
My prayer this Sabbath is that you will all be refreshed by the gospel that has saved you if you are a child of God, and that you be reminded of the promise of what is to come. That even though all believers who wish to be Godly will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12), our great God and Savior will bring us home to Zion to dwell with Him and worship Him forever.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
First Day on Campus
Well today was our first day on campus. The 6 of us who will be at our University got a tour and was able to hang out, eat, and just explore some. I loved it. Classes start on Monday so the campus will be crowded (Matt 9:36-38). This week the Lord has been tossing some big punches at me really showing me a lot, specifically with my self dependence. Being a task oriented person pushes me to go go go, and rarely do I have compassion. I desire to be a man who is Spirit dependent who humbly trusts and asks his Father to provide and move rather than continuing to labor in my own strength.
Please continue to for my heart to be filled with compassion as Jesus' was and that I would constantly be trusting and asking His Spirit to move in the lives of the lost.
Please continue to for my heart to be filled with compassion as Jesus' was and that I would constantly be trusting and asking His Spirit to move in the lives of the lost.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
God of ALL Nations
Today is our teams second full day in Singapore. This morning we attended a local church we are partnering with called Covenant Church. The people and service was amazing. Walking in, this was the first foreign church I have attended since I became a Christian 3 years ago. To walk into a congregation with hundreds of people from so many different countries nearly put me on the ground. I was so quickly reminded that the God that came down from Heaven to reconcile me to Himself, is a God of the NationS. Now its ridiculous to think, He is using me and other broken people to make a name of Himself in every country and corner of this world that He created. I was also reminded this morning of God's relational intimate side. Yes His might and power is infinite, but His grace and desire to make Himself known to me is just as real. I'm so thankful that He chooses the word Father, when identifying Himself with me.
Please pray for my pursuit God through His word this week. That I would experience Him in ways I never have pushing me to be a man who fights to master the word in order that I would know my God better.
Secondly pray that God would use me and our team to turn Singapore upside down for the sake of the Gospel, as we will be heading to campuses this week.
I love yall and I thank my God in all my remembrance of yall (Philippians 1:3)
Isaiah 54:3 "For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. And your descendants will possess nations and will resettle the desolate cities.
Please pray for my pursuit God through His word this week. That I would experience Him in ways I never have pushing me to be a man who fights to master the word in order that I would know my God better.
Secondly pray that God would use me and our team to turn Singapore upside down for the sake of the Gospel, as we will be heading to campuses this week.
I love yall and I thank my God in all my remembrance of yall (Philippians 1:3)
Isaiah 54:3 "For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. And your descendants will possess nations and will resettle the desolate cities.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Singapore, here we come!
Well tomorrow at this time, I will be boarding a plane headed to Tokyo, Japan and then catching a flight to Singapore. 22 hours of flying will give me much time to read, journal, rest, and dream about what the Lord might do in and through me and the CCP team this summer.
This past weekend, I was studying something I often find myself going back to, the cost of discipleship. Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:34-46 about the cost for someone to be His disciple. I was comparing this passage with Luke's account in Luke 14:25-35. Both state Jesus's bold claims clearly, but something hit me really hard in Luke 14. He mentions that if anyone wishes to be Jesus' disciple, he/she must hate their own life as well. Matthew describes this in v38-39, but it really took some heart searching and meditation to consider all the ways in which I still love my life. From the idolatry of wanting acceptance of people or often the idol of success, I am very much after my own name to be made great as well. Even in the midst of doing great things such as evangelism, scripture memory, and other things, I so often want to make a good name for my self as well. It was very humbling as I thought and prayed through the mindset of Isaiah 64:6, that even our righteous acts are like filthy rags before our great and Holy God. However, it was very refreshing and comforting that after confession, I was reminded that just as my salvation was not earned or merited to me through my performance, neither is my relationship and intimacy not destroyed by my pitiful performance, as the more I seek the Lord, the more I see my brokenness and need to a HUGE and Gracious Savior since my sin is so great.
Please pray for my heart to be much more broken and much greater hatred of sin. I want to be a man who is constantly being sanctified and this translates into loving the things more that God loves, and hating the things that God hates more. I love yall and pray that each would bee comforted and humbled with 1 Timothy 1:15b - Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
This past weekend, I was studying something I often find myself going back to, the cost of discipleship. Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:34-46 about the cost for someone to be His disciple. I was comparing this passage with Luke's account in Luke 14:25-35. Both state Jesus's bold claims clearly, but something hit me really hard in Luke 14. He mentions that if anyone wishes to be Jesus' disciple, he/she must hate their own life as well. Matthew describes this in v38-39, but it really took some heart searching and meditation to consider all the ways in which I still love my life. From the idolatry of wanting acceptance of people or often the idol of success, I am very much after my own name to be made great as well. Even in the midst of doing great things such as evangelism, scripture memory, and other things, I so often want to make a good name for my self as well. It was very humbling as I thought and prayed through the mindset of Isaiah 64:6, that even our righteous acts are like filthy rags before our great and Holy God. However, it was very refreshing and comforting that after confession, I was reminded that just as my salvation was not earned or merited to me through my performance, neither is my relationship and intimacy not destroyed by my pitiful performance, as the more I seek the Lord, the more I see my brokenness and need to a HUGE and Gracious Savior since my sin is so great.
Please pray for my heart to be much more broken and much greater hatred of sin. I want to be a man who is constantly being sanctified and this translates into loving the things more that God loves, and hating the things that God hates more. I love yall and pray that each would bee comforted and humbled with 1 Timothy 1:15b - Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
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