This is where I will be honest because I am not sure what else I could possibly do:
1. I've been selfish lately with God. I've wanted something greater than just a friendship with a person...
Yet, despite prayers, I've also asked in those prayers that God would teach me patience through experience rather than just giving it to me because a great friend/mentor to me; Leslie, said that God doesn't just hand over patience....He teaches it.
Well, with her wisdom, she was correct. God certainly teaches about patience through experience rather than just giving it so freely.
Nothing is given so freely...it's a learning experience and through the experiences we become not only just wise, but we gain so much understanding of who God is, why He does what He does, and His timing altogether. We learn of His great love and patience with us while we can learn to be that way with not just Him too, but others.
God is good. That's all I will say. He's good.
He's helped me to realize that I need to appreciate the people in my life and never want more than what I have right away just because I feel comfortable.
I need to be able to step outside of the comfort zone and be okay...
I haven't learned that with some places, but I'm still in training.
God has blessed me with friendships that are so significant to me that I sometimes wonder why it is, why is it that very person, what does our relationship with one another mean? What does our faith mean with one another?
I've learned that faith comes first before. Christ first in everything.
God answered my prayers to this: patience....in what way? This way:
Story:
I've liked a person for awhile and decided to hint around the area of him knowing because I wanted to be honest with him, God, and my feelings.
A friend of mine who knew of the situation talked to him previously and found out he wanted a friendship because he cared too much about me that he didn't want to ruin that.
He told me this:
"You're my best friend...."
Me: "And you don't want to ruin that."
Him: "Exactly. You're my best friend...because I am able to be myself around you...geek out to the highest of degrees...I'm thankful for that."
Me: "I understand. I think that's why I like you, too, because I am able to nerd out with you...and everything...with complete confidence...and..."
We both stopped...and nodded...
Him: "Well this is awkward..."
Me: "yeah...a bit..."
We both went off to class saying see ya later..as we normally would...
He was shocked that I had seen him more than a friend...he didn't realize...certain things...
What can I do? I want a friendship more than nothing with him. He's a wonderful person with a great heart. I really admire the fact God has shown me that a friendship is better than anything that could possibly go to ruin.
He taught me...that patience in the area of "dating" is important. I shouldn't be searching. I need to be searching for understanding and greater things with God rather than a relationship and material things of this world.
All I can do is continuously thank God for the great friendships I've been blessed with and ask that He just blesses these people who are in my life.
I pray that the Lord will continue to show me what's in important in life and teach me to be the best friend that I can be to all people that are in my life.
That He would teach me patience through experience.
To be pure in my mind and heart, to not want things of this world, but to be all that He is.
I pray that the Lord does the very same for all of His people.
To have a friendship and relationship with the Lord is the best relationship ever and His love never ends.
He's the best.
May the Lord show you that the people in your life aren't a mistake, but rather a complete blessing no matter the type of relationship you have with them. To be patient with all kinds of relationships because we are all different and to love one another because He loved first.
Blessings on your day and weekend,
In the journey of faith in the light and dark,
-Mak
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Doing Good to All. Be Thankful
Not too long ago, I had wrote a paper on how we had lived in a world that had consisted of, "Vitamins, Minerals and Diseases" due to the fact that is a metaphor on how I had forseen us as people living in this world that we were given to walk, and make ourselves a life on.
Frankly, we take ourselves and everything we have for granted. Look at what you have right now surrounding you. What do you see? A computer in front of your very face. A television? Food to fill your hunger. Water to quench your thirst. A book, for reading. School, for knowledge so that we may become something greater than what we would have thought...we'd never become, ever.
Then one may turn on the television to see; a child starving, with no home, no food, nothing compared to what you have been completely blessed with.
I constantly think to myself, what am I? I do not deserve one inch of this clothing that is clothed upon this very body of mine, nor do I deserve all this that is belonging to me in my very own home. What is it that I've become as a person? Who am I as a person, today? Who am I?
I want to challenge you as people, to think; Who have you become this Christmas. Who are you? I also want you to be VERY THANKFUL for what you have been blessed with because there are so many people out there unlike ourselves who do not possess a home, a family...not even a friend in the world to care about them. I think if we take the time to pray for those people out there, to volunteer at a local food bank, or anywhere to spare our Christmas to really see what it is like to get a taste of reality....I think we'd have a sense of being thankful for what we have in our lives.
I'm not sure of what I'd do without any of this...but a lot of this time in this very December I've really pondered the thought of; if these people out there who don't have what I have, are they maybe less selfish? Are they more thankful? Are they more faithful? Are they more forgiving? Are they more trusting in their God than we are, ourselves despite every single blessing we have, despite the more hardships they're facing?!
Think about it.
I just..really had come to ponder that. I believe those moments, had come for reality to strike me numerously in its own side by side moments.
Doing Good to All.
In this world, we really do have a hard time doing good to everyone we meet, even our enemies...our own friends, family members, you name it. It's difficult. I am guilty of it and so are you. Don't try to run from it, because you can not, so stop trying to..it really is pointless for you to try to. What is the point of trying to run from a burden that you carry on your heart when it'll just get heavier and heavier upon you? How can God forgive you when you can't forgive yourself or the other person in your sight? God is always a forgiving God, but seriously...how can He be forgiving when you can't forgive and forget. Shame. What a shame. Looks like that burden could be there awhile, yes? The right thing to do, atleast forgive the other person, instead of hold a grudge. I know that is hard, trust me I do. I've been there. Yet, the mature thing to do in this life we live is to forgive and forget...despite the forgetting will..take longer than forgiving; sadly.
"Love your enemies as you love yourself." Do it. It is immensely better than what you think. I have attempted this in several ways and it really has chisled me as a person in the heart...as much as the difficulty of the proccess was; God chisles the heart, mind and spirit. Fruit of the spirit is presented to you, sound great? It is, I suggest it to you, no...scratch that..GOD SUGGESTS IT. I'm simply someone who just...encourages you to attempt to get into God's word and reach for Him.
Listen to this:
Doing Good to All: Galatians 6:1-10
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share al good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceieved: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from the nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit from the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Now that's some powerful words of God, yes? I happened to open straight up to that very section in my Bible lastnight and it happened to really pierce my heart because I know I have struggled in an area of this, like so many others. I had felt compelled to share this in a note so that, we may as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may share this lesson together to really learn from our mistakes in the world of sin to redeem from this, reach out to those who are struggling with the sinful nature of treating others unfairly, not with love, respect, nor doing good to others, or who are reaping a harvest that is leading to destruction rather than eternal life with our Savior.
Us as humans, face the struggle every where we go to do good unto others..we are constantly told throughout God's word to love one another, respect, do good unto others..you name it. Everything of Christ's actions of how He loved us...we are to show towards one another, yet we cease to do so! We are filthy sinners! Yet, we boast in Him when we are weak for that is when His power is sufficient. Awesome, right?
So, my next challenge for you to do in this life that we are ever so blessed AND given to...do good to others, share God's love...be kind. show the Spirit of the Fruit.
If you have that willing heart, mind and spirit, you would do it. It talks about hearts like ours that in the Bible, I know it does.
Let's be Transformers of this world, Transforming hearts, being a witness to not only a City of a Hill filled with believers, but non believers so that we may fulfill God's will, His loving ever so pleasing will.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".-the Lord
Messenger of the Message
The city is brightened, alightened upon my face
to see a gleam in you; just could not save me.
The Earth is just as immense, and meticulous as I've heard across the seas.
I've been not only across the states of each mind, but across the states of mind
where I've seen beyond the very imaginable.
To look upon the shores, will I amend the boat I sail alone?
Ran across the lands where they've forbidden your name is where
I'll be the messenger of your message of the answer to tell
of your great healings. Yet, the impossible is possible.
To look upon the shores, will I amend the boat I sail alone?
Ran across the lands where they've forbidden your name
is where I'll manage the impossible.
The wave of storms may lose me upon sea, never will I cease the
existence of my duty.
Accomplished is the message of the impossible.
By: Makaya Hicks (me)
to see a gleam in you; just could not save me.
The Earth is just as immense, and meticulous as I've heard across the seas.
I've been not only across the states of each mind, but across the states of mind
where I've seen beyond the very imaginable.
To look upon the shores, will I amend the boat I sail alone?
Ran across the lands where they've forbidden your name is where
I'll be the messenger of your message of the answer to tell
of your great healings. Yet, the impossible is possible.
To look upon the shores, will I amend the boat I sail alone?
Ran across the lands where they've forbidden your name
is where I'll manage the impossible.
The wave of storms may lose me upon sea, never will I cease the
existence of my duty.
Accomplished is the message of the impossible.
By: Makaya Hicks (me)
Change of Confidence-כאשר החיים מותירה אותנו עיוורים, אהבה שמחזיק אותנו סוג
As this year has progressed I am slowly noticing how I am just a person with seasons.
Each season has either some significant or unnoticed meaning behind it. Whether it'd be the fact of how much I've grown to see who I am and who I want to be, rather not what the world wants from me...
or
trying to find where I stand as a person when in the sea of faces.
I've learned that the deeper our experiences are with any type of event in time or the people around us shapes us to think the way we do, why we do what we do, and why we chose to share interests, philosophies, beliefs...etc. Or why we chose to talk to a certain person.
Given, I have always asked myself, "what is it about this person that makes them stand out from everyone else that causes me to want to build a relationship.
(Now, when I say relationship, I mean, friendship that will be fruitful and meaningful).
Why do I share certain aspects of my life with the people that I do?
I think the one reason why we share what we chose and the way we seek a relationship is rather complicated.
We all have our different reasons, whether they'd be random or completely for a reason.
If anything I've learned about my time in college, attending huge events, hanging with friends that cause me to meet other existing humans, I've learned that...I can be rather, outgoing opposed to shy now.
I used to be this really shy person who was afraid of opening up about anything.
I still am trying to figure out what has caused me to become so more outgoing or open about talking to others.
I speak about this because this year I attended Otakon 2011 on staff and there was a few people I had talked to from working with last year who had claimed, "you're more..open it seems. Last year you were a bit closed up."
I think being told that makes me realize how much not only myself as a person can change personality wise, but how others can altogether.
I have come to observe the fact we all can change in little time as a year. Surprising, isn't it?
Fascinating it is to know how certain people or events can make such a huge impact on you to the point where one will go from completely closed to open.
To be completely frank, I am not completely positive on how I feel about this all. Besides thankful in the fact I have opened up.
Now that I really ponder about it all...
I don't regret anything that has shaped me who I am today, nor do I regret the people that have gone in and out of my life because I know it was for all a reason for the each of us in order to make us stronger and grow.
Reflecting on just how I've presented myself at Otakon compared to last year and this year...
slightly...different.
Last year I wasn't as confident about talking to people and just saying, "hey! what's up? I'm Makaya!"
Now,
I can say that I am completely confident about talking to others and just approaching anyone giving them compliments, talking about whatever, and just be willing to develop a relationship with each person.
In my opinion, I really feel that no one should be afraid to just develop a relationship with anyone out there in the world because we all deserve someone significant in life whether that would be family, friends, a significant other, or just that one person to talk to about whatever.
My goal is in life is not only to help people with my talents, but to grow in relationships with everyone showing that I am willing to give it my all for them and for the betterment of the people/society around me.
I feel that if I can make a difference in one person's life, I could make their day better and that's what I want to do.
All I want to do is...to make someone laugh, smile, and feel great about who they are and where they are in life despite the bad or good in life that was given to them.
I say this because I made a new friend who just...really makes me want to make a difference in their life. He opened up to me about certain aspects in life that weren't completely great for him, but he attempts his best to do what he can in life to get by, be happy, and be there for everyone. That's really inspirational to me because it's not often one may come across such a person.
What if we were all to be caring for each other despite where we stood economically and religion wise? What could happen? Where would you stand?
Life makes us completely blind as to what we are truly blessed with; people, food, and for all that we have in life, the disruptions are at great numbers that I cannot even begin to fathom over.
When life makes us blind, we tend not to think for others, but only ourselves and whether or not we'd be willing to make a difference in not only our lives, but others around us.
Yet, when we first learn to love, appreciate, and respect all that we are and what we have we learn to not let the bad or good cause us to go blind with our kindness because love makes us kind.
My goal is to continue on with the confidence I have about life and love to where I may be able to impact other lives with such an outlook that causes us want to be more than just who we are thought to be, but to be something so significant that we love out of kindness without fear to fault of blindness to what we have in life and who a person may be and accept them for all that they are no matter what the differences may be.
(That sentence is such.......a long sentence..grammar/sentence structure fail)
All I can say is, live the life you have with confidence out of love and kindness...then you will see a difference in not only who you are, but how others see you, too.
-In the adventure of light and darkness
-Makaya
PS: Never think that change is a bad thing, it's only for the best to make one strong and wise.
Each season has either some significant or unnoticed meaning behind it. Whether it'd be the fact of how much I've grown to see who I am and who I want to be, rather not what the world wants from me...
or
trying to find where I stand as a person when in the sea of faces.
I've learned that the deeper our experiences are with any type of event in time or the people around us shapes us to think the way we do, why we do what we do, and why we chose to share interests, philosophies, beliefs...etc. Or why we chose to talk to a certain person.
Given, I have always asked myself, "what is it about this person that makes them stand out from everyone else that causes me to want to build a relationship.
(Now, when I say relationship, I mean, friendship that will be fruitful and meaningful).
Why do I share certain aspects of my life with the people that I do?
I think the one reason why we share what we chose and the way we seek a relationship is rather complicated.
We all have our different reasons, whether they'd be random or completely for a reason.
If anything I've learned about my time in college, attending huge events, hanging with friends that cause me to meet other existing humans, I've learned that...I can be rather, outgoing opposed to shy now.
I used to be this really shy person who was afraid of opening up about anything.
I still am trying to figure out what has caused me to become so more outgoing or open about talking to others.
I speak about this because this year I attended Otakon 2011 on staff and there was a few people I had talked to from working with last year who had claimed, "you're more..open it seems. Last year you were a bit closed up."
I think being told that makes me realize how much not only myself as a person can change personality wise, but how others can altogether.
I have come to observe the fact we all can change in little time as a year. Surprising, isn't it?
Fascinating it is to know how certain people or events can make such a huge impact on you to the point where one will go from completely closed to open.
To be completely frank, I am not completely positive on how I feel about this all. Besides thankful in the fact I have opened up.
Now that I really ponder about it all...
I don't regret anything that has shaped me who I am today, nor do I regret the people that have gone in and out of my life because I know it was for all a reason for the each of us in order to make us stronger and grow.
Reflecting on just how I've presented myself at Otakon compared to last year and this year...
slightly...different.
Last year I wasn't as confident about talking to people and just saying, "hey! what's up? I'm Makaya!"
Now,
I can say that I am completely confident about talking to others and just approaching anyone giving them compliments, talking about whatever, and just be willing to develop a relationship with each person.
In my opinion, I really feel that no one should be afraid to just develop a relationship with anyone out there in the world because we all deserve someone significant in life whether that would be family, friends, a significant other, or just that one person to talk to about whatever.
My goal is in life is not only to help people with my talents, but to grow in relationships with everyone showing that I am willing to give it my all for them and for the betterment of the people/society around me.
I feel that if I can make a difference in one person's life, I could make their day better and that's what I want to do.
All I want to do is...to make someone laugh, smile, and feel great about who they are and where they are in life despite the bad or good in life that was given to them.
I say this because I made a new friend who just...really makes me want to make a difference in their life. He opened up to me about certain aspects in life that weren't completely great for him, but he attempts his best to do what he can in life to get by, be happy, and be there for everyone. That's really inspirational to me because it's not often one may come across such a person.
What if we were all to be caring for each other despite where we stood economically and religion wise? What could happen? Where would you stand?
Life makes us completely blind as to what we are truly blessed with; people, food, and for all that we have in life, the disruptions are at great numbers that I cannot even begin to fathom over.
When life makes us blind, we tend not to think for others, but only ourselves and whether or not we'd be willing to make a difference in not only our lives, but others around us.
Yet, when we first learn to love, appreciate, and respect all that we are and what we have we learn to not let the bad or good cause us to go blind with our kindness because love makes us kind.
My goal is to continue on with the confidence I have about life and love to where I may be able to impact other lives with such an outlook that causes us want to be more than just who we are thought to be, but to be something so significant that we love out of kindness without fear to fault of blindness to what we have in life and who a person may be and accept them for all that they are no matter what the differences may be.
(That sentence is such.......a long sentence..grammar/sentence structure fail)
All I can say is, live the life you have with confidence out of love and kindness...then you will see a difference in not only who you are, but how others see you, too.
-In the adventure of light and darkness
-Makaya
PS: Never think that change is a bad thing, it's only for the best to make one strong and wise.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
He has called us out of darkness.
As I sit here contemplating about my faith in Jesus Christ, I really do adore Him.
Yet, I struggle with sin daily and it's been awhile since I've really come back around to my faith and disciplining my self.
For awhile here in MI, I've been really struggling to pray to God, praise Him, go to church, and focus on what is really the true prize in life, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Yes, I have felt completely guilty and did nothing about it. The longer it stayed, I really just ignored God and the fact He's trying to lead my pathways.
I wonder...why? Why did I do that? I don't understand why I would have ever wanted to leave God, what He has called me to do, and ministry all together.
It is so often that we are called by God to do great things in His kingdom and we end up leaving that calling, pursuing what we like to do or we get impatient with what He has called us for! I have seen this happen before my eyes and it's so sad.
You know why this happens? Satan. Satan will do anything to be sure that we are not serving our God and gloryfying Him and pursuing His will! Satan will put any option out there in front of us, glamorizing it, which calls us to think, "Oh, this is cool. Maybe...God would want me there instead?" If God wanted you in a certain place in your life, He'll take you there...and place you in that location.
I think that's what we often...get confused about with God. We are so blinded by sin that we think it's actually God calling us to that certain aspect in life that calls us to believe, "Yes, God has sent me here." When really...are you leaving God's placement when -you- decide, "I want to pursue, (insert whatever here)and God gave me this talent, so I should go for it."
God KNOWS you better than anyone else and KNOWS your greatest talents...He will place you a section of your life for you to realize your greatest talents that He has given you so that you may lead a life according to Him and pursuing His will, that will protect and provide for you! If you leave that...wouldn't it cause some type of complication?
Frankly, I am not sure what it will cause, but what we can know and trust in is the fact our God provides, protects, loves us...and will never leave our side no matter what we endure in life because He loves us that much.
We are a chosen generation that was called according to HIS will, not ours. Sometimes, I face and have faced sections in this past year where I have felt completely worthless about ministry and God's will. Confusion and frustration has surrounded me, blinding me what the beauty of pain could really be.
Now that everything just keeps tying together, the realization of pain can be pure beauty in God's eyes because...everything always works out with God and the life we live for Him. He redeems us from all of the confusion and frustrations we face, calling us out of that darkness, reassuring His promise for us. He also reassures that He will provide wisdom and things that are so much greater in life rather than the materialistic aspects that blind us.
I have faced this section of my life enduring the fact of Sam not returning to Concordia to continue his LTD, which leaves me here. I have faced a part me feeling, I couldn't make it through college without him by my side because he is an important person in my life that I was always around. The fact he just had to leave and everything changed.
Yet, this change made me realize...I don't need to be just hanging out with Sam. I have all these friends; brothers/sisters in Christ that love me, I love them, and God has provided me these people in my life to learn from and to provide for them, share the faith, fight the good fight, and continue on with where God has placed me.
I felt that, Sam gone, I would be so lonely, and I had my days where I did indeed, feel that way.
What I learned is...the more I got out of my room, pursued school work, working 3 jobs, and tried my best to be there for Sam, others, while balancing everything, God was there the whole time.
I was praying that God would give me wisdom to help Sam and patience. Oh, He definitely has.
He also made me realize that...I can't help everyone and I need to let HIM do the healing. He has taught me more patience than I could imagine and the fact...I can be around all kinds of people and not 'break.'
What I've gone through, has just opened my eyes so much today. Why would God exactly have me endure what I have?
To make me perservere, grow in the faith, accept what I can and can't do, patience, what it means to love, grow in wisdom and knowledge of not only Him, but the 'real' important factors in life around me.
He has taught me, "You are here because of my calling for you, out of darkness, into the beauty of my kingdom, and for you to live in the will I have for you."
Confusion, arose about His will for me so many times this past year. I had sat here, thinking, "God, what do you want out of me? What do you want from me? What is it that, You are calling me to do?! I'm so lost. I need Your guidance!"
My eyes have filled with tears and fear filled me...
God wants me here, taking one step at a time, living for Him, living as if today were the day He was coming back, pursuing every little bit of my life all for the glory of Him and the promise He has told us about.
He doesn't want me to think of all these thoughts of where my life is going to go, how I'm going to provide for myself and my family, how I'm going to survive college, etc.
God provides everything, why should I worry? What is it that I should worry about whenever I have a God who does such as that. Reassuring His love and guidance to me. Him, being the lamp to my pathways...
God has spoken to us, telling us, "I'll be by your side." "I will provide for you." "I'll be the lamp to your pathways." "Do not worry, I will provide everything you will ever need."
I mean, those are just summaries...though, that doesn't defeat the purpose of what I am saying to you from our God.
God...holds us up in the palm of His right hand, when we need Him the most. In the times of all darkness, He leads us back into the light, giving us life!
How awesome is He? I feel a bit bad that I've ever ran from God, but what I can reassure all of you on, in my own relationship/faith with Him, is that...there wasn't a moment He has forsaken me, because He won't do that. He loves me too much, just as much as He loves you!
You follow him, you'll live your life in the light that He shines on you.
There wasn't a moment that He did not lead me back.
God has this funny way of leading me back into the light of Him and I'll sit here thinking, "God, you are so cool. You...are sometimes..shocking, but You're the best."
Such as today,
this morning, after a bit, I had made myself breakfast, thanking Him for the food, and asking for a blessing, "The Chronicles of Narnia" was on.
It had come to the section where Aslan was sacrificed on the stone table, that whole entire section of ridicule, and being killed by the witch.
That made me become teary eyed, and it reminds me of what Jesus has gone through. Given, I'm sure it was an allegory written by C.S. Lewis to reflect Jesus's ridicule, and sacrifice on the cross.
Then, Aslan's resurrection being an allegory of Jesus's resurrection, is so cool!
I felt, happy. I thought of Jesus in that way, and watched the battle of the fight for Narnia.
That scene made me think of the fight we are giving out for God. Fighting the darkness of Satan and sin, rescuing all those out of darkness into the light of Jesus, so that they may have life and salvation in Him.
Those few scenes, I feel God has used to make me realize and remind me of what His calling is for me as a disciple. Especially giving me the reassurance of how He rose from the dead, conquering death and sin, letting me know, I can conquer sin because I am more than that with God by my side.
I prayed for forgiveness, wisdom, and guidance on how I could live a better life for Him, not fearing what could come in my pathway leading me to believe what I do believe of our God. He lead me to His word, giving me serenity in my heart, clearing my mind to focus on Him and how I could really reach out to all of You.
My brothers and sisters, we are more than what we've done, we are so much more in God's eyes. With God our on side, we can fight this battle between light and dark, learning what we need to do to live our lives all out for the glory of Him.
We all endure similar experiences, but through these experiences, we grow immensely in God.
We can grow with each other, guiding, praying, loving, and being that mere reflection of Christ for each other and for Him because He has called us out the darkness to do so.
We are called out of darkness, to have His eyes for humanity..to love and care for.
Together, we can defeat the darkness in this battle with God on our side.
Look at it as if we were the citizens of Narnia, fighting for what we believe and doing this all for Aslan and all the others living in the world of Narnia.
We are human who do have the strength to fight for the creation of God, what God has promised us, and with the Almighty God on our side, we can do this.
Continue on, brothers and sisters, fighting for what we believe and for the God who has saved you from yourself.
We have the eyes and heart of Him, with these, we can rescue the lost.
Don't give up. He has called you for this and the fear you feel is only from Satan, not your God. God provides you with peace and serenity. Let Him fill you with His Spirit filling you with strength and endurance.
You can do this.
I can do this.
WE can conquer this.
Praises to the God who has rescued us and promised us life!
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Friday, March 18, 2011
Up, Down, Turnaround...spinning, running...away?
This weekend is Jr. High Tool Time. Well, I have volunteered to be a Small Group Leader and host some of those fellow younglings.
Must I say, I am not that prepared.
The room is a mess and so is the bathroom. I have dishes to clean, as well. *sigh*
Oh, did I mention, I am not all that sure if I am prepared like I was last time, spiritually?
I guess, with younger age group, I do tend to become a bit more nervous than the older youth only because I feel I can relate and communicate on a more adult level with those youth. Probably, due to the fact they're more near my age...who knows?
Anyways, also, I have come to the conclusion that I do not feel as spiritually prepared for such an event because I have not been attending chapel, church, offerings, compline, anything that church related. It's very solemn that I even attend devotions, due to the fact I am either; 1. Working, 2. With either Sam or friends, 3. Working on homework.
It's pretty disappointing. On Sunday's, I could walk up to St. Paul's, yet, I don't. Due to the fact, I don't really have anyone to attend with and Sam usually sleeps in as it is now...despite, he used to attend quite often.
I just feel so...spiritually unprepared.
I have the willingness in me to do this ministry, but I do not think I should be a small group leader if I am not, 'up to par', so to speak, with my own spiritual life whenever I'll be sitting there lecturing about how these kids need to incorporate Jesus into their lives, and have that strong foundation of reading the Word, confirming what they know about Him and what He has done for us as sinners, etc. You know?
Maybe I am not the only one feeling this way.
I surely do not want to be doing this just to level up my faith in a way to participate in ministry because I am currently weak. Obviously, I would want to ease into my relationship with Christ in a methodological way, such as; praying, going to devos, reading His word on my own time, and attending Chapel/Church...just the basics of getting back into my relationship and communication with Christ, rather than participating in some ministry to just strengthen back up.
Though, this weekend there is worship, prayer, and reading His word...to strengthen the faith of everyone, but I'd rather do it all on my own before participating with others....maybe this is just me afraid or feeling selfish?
I do not know, nor do I wish to risk any false information given to youth...that scares me.
I was a small group leader last semester at Tool Time with both Jr/Sr. high youth and that was spectacular. It was...a very great weekend. Firmly, I believe that the presence of God was working through everyone there, especially the fellow younglings.
This is just probably me doubting my own self...I tend to do that when I become nervous;
but this is like what Jesus wanted us to do whenever He had asked Peter to step out onto the water...it's like Jesus asking me to step out of my comfort zone and work with others who I am not as comfortable with. This is His calling for me as of right now...not my own. I am doing this as a servant hood in the name of Jesus and in the example of Peter and the storm, stepping out into the waters, having faith in Him, because really, it's all I can do...
just as you all can do, too.
I feel today is just a day for praying the fact, it's okay to be afraid at times, but we also need to remember, we need to trust in our God and have faith in Him...especially for all the blessings He does for us..
A blessing from God is how He takes out of our comfort zones and works through us to communicate to all of His people and uses our talents to help others in His holy name...how awesome is that?! Pretty darn awesomesaucetastical.
Therefore, for today, remember how God is taking you out of your comfort zone and using you! Yes, you! How is He using you today so far?
Pray for everyone!
<3 Mak
Must I say, I am not that prepared.
The room is a mess and so is the bathroom. I have dishes to clean, as well. *sigh*
Oh, did I mention, I am not all that sure if I am prepared like I was last time, spiritually?
I guess, with younger age group, I do tend to become a bit more nervous than the older youth only because I feel I can relate and communicate on a more adult level with those youth. Probably, due to the fact they're more near my age...who knows?
Anyways, also, I have come to the conclusion that I do not feel as spiritually prepared for such an event because I have not been attending chapel, church, offerings, compline, anything that church related. It's very solemn that I even attend devotions, due to the fact I am either; 1. Working, 2. With either Sam or friends, 3. Working on homework.
It's pretty disappointing. On Sunday's, I could walk up to St. Paul's, yet, I don't. Due to the fact, I don't really have anyone to attend with and Sam usually sleeps in as it is now...despite, he used to attend quite often.
I just feel so...spiritually unprepared.
I have the willingness in me to do this ministry, but I do not think I should be a small group leader if I am not, 'up to par', so to speak, with my own spiritual life whenever I'll be sitting there lecturing about how these kids need to incorporate Jesus into their lives, and have that strong foundation of reading the Word, confirming what they know about Him and what He has done for us as sinners, etc. You know?
Maybe I am not the only one feeling this way.
I surely do not want to be doing this just to level up my faith in a way to participate in ministry because I am currently weak. Obviously, I would want to ease into my relationship with Christ in a methodological way, such as; praying, going to devos, reading His word on my own time, and attending Chapel/Church...just the basics of getting back into my relationship and communication with Christ, rather than participating in some ministry to just strengthen back up.
Though, this weekend there is worship, prayer, and reading His word...to strengthen the faith of everyone, but I'd rather do it all on my own before participating with others....maybe this is just me afraid or feeling selfish?
I do not know, nor do I wish to risk any false information given to youth...that scares me.
I was a small group leader last semester at Tool Time with both Jr/Sr. high youth and that was spectacular. It was...a very great weekend. Firmly, I believe that the presence of God was working through everyone there, especially the fellow younglings.
This is just probably me doubting my own self...I tend to do that when I become nervous;
but this is like what Jesus wanted us to do whenever He had asked Peter to step out onto the water...it's like Jesus asking me to step out of my comfort zone and work with others who I am not as comfortable with. This is His calling for me as of right now...not my own. I am doing this as a servant hood in the name of Jesus and in the example of Peter and the storm, stepping out into the waters, having faith in Him, because really, it's all I can do...
just as you all can do, too.
I feel today is just a day for praying the fact, it's okay to be afraid at times, but we also need to remember, we need to trust in our God and have faith in Him...especially for all the blessings He does for us..
A blessing from God is how He takes out of our comfort zones and works through us to communicate to all of His people and uses our talents to help others in His holy name...how awesome is that?! Pretty darn awesomesaucetastical.
Therefore, for today, remember how God is taking you out of your comfort zone and using you! Yes, you! How is He using you today so far?
Pray for everyone!
<3 Mak
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Pressing On
Out of everything I could have ever observed with the people I am very close with or even just surrounded by...
it is often noticed by me that people do have the difficulty of just pressing on with their lives because they are so easily scarred by the little events or mistakes they have made in their lives daily.
Why is this?
Why does one make it so difficult on themselves to just live? Why are do you make it so hard to just live whenever Jesus sacrificed His life for you to actually live a life full of REAL life.
Given, we are only human and filthy sinners, but God loves us the same no matter what we have done, therefore, this is why we have repentance and must press on to the finish line to the Lord who has called us His own, to the real home; Heaven.
Whenever I think about pressing on, I don't simply think about 'moving' on, but it's simply realizing where I've gone wrong, what can I do in my own heart and mind to repent, fix my own heart before even setting out to help others in the name of our Lord.
Firmly, it is that I believe we are to fix our own hearts and minds to repent to the Lord that has saved us before we would ever feel the call to help one another in areas of difficulty. Speak this as I do because it is so often we as a people are out there in the 'mission field' serving out to others trying to fix their wrongs when we have the exact or similar wrong in our own hearts. Why is that? We do that to make our own lives feel immensely better and it's a confidence/ego boost.
Now, I am not saying I have never done that, certainly I have. I'd much rather not do so any longer, but rather, examine and articulate the factors of what it is God wishes for me to do in this life to glorify Him in the deepest ways known to man so that we are all seeing our God in the biggest ways and observing our God in ways that we wouldn't even begin to fathom over.
What is it that really has initiated to write about this? Obviously, not just the Spirit working through me, but I have a friend.
My friend, he graduated from here and well, I often hear stories about how he doesn't want to minister to do children, but only youth, and he has complained about the poor. Also, complained about certain aspects of the government, money management, and just the way work has been for him, overall.
Frankly, I do not know where he is standing nor all of his story, but God does. To hear how he complains, and I've heard him in person tell me about such...in ways I can understand the frustrations of not having a job in church work after graduating a couple years ago when told of a job, but feeling the weights of life financially...this is where my friend has possibly lost faith in knowing;
1. God provides. My dear friend, do not lose hope nor faith in knowing your God provides for you and has He not told you this? Has your God not told you that He would provide you with a roof over the top of your head, your daily bread, and so much more beyond what you'd imagine? My friend! You're blind! He has surely blessed you, and as afraid as I am, but you're so blind to these many blessings from your loving God!
Do not lose faith and love for the God that loves you so much. He surely takes care in you. All you must do is Trust in Him and He will listen for you and you listen for Him.
2. Where is your church? My friend, I have noticed and heard that your attendance at church has been decreasing. Life is difficult, yes, this I know. I may not understand it the way you do, but what I do know is, I care about your salvation. Friend, do not stop attending church. Keep strong in the faith. Your God will feed you wisdom and comfort. Why run when He stays by the side of you? He is ever so still. Be still, and He shall take control. God is in control, let Him take control of the life you live and you will be on great comfort under His protection. Do not lose trust in this, I tell you. I tell you, because I love you, my brother. You are my brother in Christ, I am here to help you and I come to help you in the name of our Almighty Father.
3. I see fear in you. What is it that you fear? I do not know your life story, nor have I known you for a long time, but what I do know is that, I read fear. This fear comes from what you've built upon from sin. Brother! Do not fall! I see you falling! Let God catch you! Take His hand and He will catch you from all great discomfort and hold you up!
I say this out of experience. I share such advice for I have experienced such discomfort and I've been in your place of being 'lost.' No need to be lost, come out of that darkness into the light. The light shines on you decreasing all darkness, for you are a new creation. Remember your baptism, my friend. You're a new creation by God! God loves you, you are His.
Do not fear God. God wishes only a great life for you and my friend, Jesus saved you because God loved you so much that He gave His only son for our sins! That's an infinite love! Everlasting love! Do not lose trust and faith in this. Do not fear the guidance of God. God will guide your pathways and will hold you up with His righteous hand.
Trust in all of this and you will see Him in new ways. It's amazing.
Life is hard, life is easy, life comes at you both ways, but no matter what we were given life through the son of our God. We were given life through Jesus Christ, our Lord because He died for not only my sins, but your sins, too.
How amazing is such love?
Sometimes, it's an amazing love that I can't begin to describe just how blessed and happy I am to know I have a God that loves all of us so much and has shared the ability to love His people through me. I begin to thank God for that.
All of you who read this, my friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, do not let life bring you down no matter how difficult it gets. Press on. I observe how difficult life is in different ways for my friends in numerous ways, it makes me lament for them, yet, I have faith knowing our God will provide and keep you all strong. Do not lose faith in God and what He has promised you. He is there for you. Keep strong.
Press on to the finish line to our God. He is the true prize that you truly yearn for.
ACTS 20:24
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Fight the good fight friends by pressing on so that you may be able to say as Timothy said in the eyes of God,
2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I'm praying for all of you to keep the faith, to fight well by pressing on through the hardships of both dark and light of our journeys in faith, and finishing this race.
<3 Mak
it is often noticed by me that people do have the difficulty of just pressing on with their lives because they are so easily scarred by the little events or mistakes they have made in their lives daily.
Why is this?
Why does one make it so difficult on themselves to just live? Why are do you make it so hard to just live whenever Jesus sacrificed His life for you to actually live a life full of REAL life.
Given, we are only human and filthy sinners, but God loves us the same no matter what we have done, therefore, this is why we have repentance and must press on to the finish line to the Lord who has called us His own, to the real home; Heaven.
Whenever I think about pressing on, I don't simply think about 'moving' on, but it's simply realizing where I've gone wrong, what can I do in my own heart and mind to repent, fix my own heart before even setting out to help others in the name of our Lord.
Firmly, it is that I believe we are to fix our own hearts and minds to repent to the Lord that has saved us before we would ever feel the call to help one another in areas of difficulty. Speak this as I do because it is so often we as a people are out there in the 'mission field' serving out to others trying to fix their wrongs when we have the exact or similar wrong in our own hearts. Why is that? We do that to make our own lives feel immensely better and it's a confidence/ego boost.
Now, I am not saying I have never done that, certainly I have. I'd much rather not do so any longer, but rather, examine and articulate the factors of what it is God wishes for me to do in this life to glorify Him in the deepest ways known to man so that we are all seeing our God in the biggest ways and observing our God in ways that we wouldn't even begin to fathom over.
What is it that really has initiated to write about this? Obviously, not just the Spirit working through me, but I have a friend.
My friend, he graduated from here and well, I often hear stories about how he doesn't want to minister to do children, but only youth, and he has complained about the poor. Also, complained about certain aspects of the government, money management, and just the way work has been for him, overall.
Frankly, I do not know where he is standing nor all of his story, but God does. To hear how he complains, and I've heard him in person tell me about such...in ways I can understand the frustrations of not having a job in church work after graduating a couple years ago when told of a job, but feeling the weights of life financially...this is where my friend has possibly lost faith in knowing;
1. God provides. My dear friend, do not lose hope nor faith in knowing your God provides for you and has He not told you this? Has your God not told you that He would provide you with a roof over the top of your head, your daily bread, and so much more beyond what you'd imagine? My friend! You're blind! He has surely blessed you, and as afraid as I am, but you're so blind to these many blessings from your loving God!
Do not lose faith and love for the God that loves you so much. He surely takes care in you. All you must do is Trust in Him and He will listen for you and you listen for Him.
2. Where is your church? My friend, I have noticed and heard that your attendance at church has been decreasing. Life is difficult, yes, this I know. I may not understand it the way you do, but what I do know is, I care about your salvation. Friend, do not stop attending church. Keep strong in the faith. Your God will feed you wisdom and comfort. Why run when He stays by the side of you? He is ever so still. Be still, and He shall take control. God is in control, let Him take control of the life you live and you will be on great comfort under His protection. Do not lose trust in this, I tell you. I tell you, because I love you, my brother. You are my brother in Christ, I am here to help you and I come to help you in the name of our Almighty Father.
3. I see fear in you. What is it that you fear? I do not know your life story, nor have I known you for a long time, but what I do know is that, I read fear. This fear comes from what you've built upon from sin. Brother! Do not fall! I see you falling! Let God catch you! Take His hand and He will catch you from all great discomfort and hold you up!
I say this out of experience. I share such advice for I have experienced such discomfort and I've been in your place of being 'lost.' No need to be lost, come out of that darkness into the light. The light shines on you decreasing all darkness, for you are a new creation. Remember your baptism, my friend. You're a new creation by God! God loves you, you are His.
Do not fear God. God wishes only a great life for you and my friend, Jesus saved you because God loved you so much that He gave His only son for our sins! That's an infinite love! Everlasting love! Do not lose trust and faith in this. Do not fear the guidance of God. God will guide your pathways and will hold you up with His righteous hand.
Trust in all of this and you will see Him in new ways. It's amazing.
Life is hard, life is easy, life comes at you both ways, but no matter what we were given life through the son of our God. We were given life through Jesus Christ, our Lord because He died for not only my sins, but your sins, too.
How amazing is such love?
Sometimes, it's an amazing love that I can't begin to describe just how blessed and happy I am to know I have a God that loves all of us so much and has shared the ability to love His people through me. I begin to thank God for that.
All of you who read this, my friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, do not let life bring you down no matter how difficult it gets. Press on. I observe how difficult life is in different ways for my friends in numerous ways, it makes me lament for them, yet, I have faith knowing our God will provide and keep you all strong. Do not lose faith in God and what He has promised you. He is there for you. Keep strong.
Press on to the finish line to our God. He is the true prize that you truly yearn for.
ACTS 20:24
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Fight the good fight friends by pressing on so that you may be able to say as Timothy said in the eyes of God,
2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I'm praying for all of you to keep the faith, to fight well by pressing on through the hardships of both dark and light of our journeys in faith, and finishing this race.
<3 Mak
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