See, I have one problem...if you ask my wife I am sure she would laugh and snort saying..."Just one?"...but I have one problem that I need to work on and I am being convicted of.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:16 to do things to glorify God and give glory to Heaven. I know that God has given me an amazing gift to preach and teach others, and I love it. Children and youth hold a very special place in my heart. It is amazing to see these kids grow in the Lord, and know that God used me to impact these kids. When I am approached and people say great job with the kids, I am not sure what to say..."Thank you?"
Sometimes I feel that if I say too much, I am just looking for more compliments, but I like the compliments and that is what I am being convicted of. I know I need to give that glory to Heaven. I need to step back and let God have that glory because He was the one who placed me where I am and has given me what He has.
Also, I want things to happen in my time. So I guess this is something else I am being convicted of...y wife was correct. I want soooooo much to be in these kids lives more, and to be there for them, but I just don't have the time with a more than full time job and school. I want to be with them all the time. When we are on breaks, I literally miss them so much I feel there is an empty spot in my life. But I know God has a plan for me and my family, and my that will be shown to me when the time comes. But I quote a famous line from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; "But I want it now!" I guess I have to work on this.
Typing this blog out has helped me to realize that I need to step back and let God take over my life. I need to watch what he is planning for me. I appreciate all the leadership at my church (Pastor Jim, Jayson Combs, Ernesto Alaniz) and others, and I truly love all of you. I pray that God will bring me to be the Christian man that you are.
Thank you Lord for the blessing of being able to reach out to children, and I pray you give me the patience and guidance necessary to step back and let you take control. Help me to glorify you for the gifts you have given me.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Into the Sphere
Don't you LOVE it when God has those neon signs over people that say "Hey, talk to this person. They are ready to accept Christ! They are ready to pray right now"
I wish! This does not happen...for one that would be one really big sign. Two, God wants us to be able to influence everybody, plant the seed, God will water it.
"I believe that God holds you responsible for everyone He brings into your sphere of influence..." -Oscar Thompson
I love this quote. I truly believe that we are an influence to all around us. I know my co-workers don't like to admit it...Regina...but I give them a hard time sometimes. Not in a mean way but in a friendly way. I believe that the way we act and talk is a reflection on our lives. Who is around you and what do they see?
"Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:35)
No, Jesus was not talking about a harvest of grain, wheat, or rice. He was talking about his people. He was talking about people that need the Lord. They are the grain that need to be harvested and brought before God. The only way for people to see God who don't know God is through His people. Are you a good reflection of the God you serve?
For me, I know that I am not always the best person to give advice on being a witness, I am even afraid of my Evangelism class assignment of sitting down with somebody and witnessing to them with the gospel. I have never done that before without prior commitment. I am afraid. But we need people to know that the God we serve is a righteous, loving God. All they ever hear about through the media is hateful spews, nutty so called Christians picketing soldiers funerals, or Assinate this person or that person. We need to show the true love of Christ through our actions and be a mirror of Jesus. When people look at us, they should see Jesus...not James, not Amanda, not Whatever your name is.
"It's so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it?" - L.M. Montgomery
My challenge to you is to know you are wicked, change the way people see you. Change your appearance to a reflection of the one who saved you...Jesus Christ.
-James
I wish! This does not happen...for one that would be one really big sign. Two, God wants us to be able to influence everybody, plant the seed, God will water it.
"I believe that God holds you responsible for everyone He brings into your sphere of influence..." -Oscar Thompson
I love this quote. I truly believe that we are an influence to all around us. I know my co-workers don't like to admit it...Regina...but I give them a hard time sometimes. Not in a mean way but in a friendly way. I believe that the way we act and talk is a reflection on our lives. Who is around you and what do they see?
"Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:35)
No, Jesus was not talking about a harvest of grain, wheat, or rice. He was talking about his people. He was talking about people that need the Lord. They are the grain that need to be harvested and brought before God. The only way for people to see God who don't know God is through His people. Are you a good reflection of the God you serve?
For me, I know that I am not always the best person to give advice on being a witness, I am even afraid of my Evangelism class assignment of sitting down with somebody and witnessing to them with the gospel. I have never done that before without prior commitment. I am afraid. But we need people to know that the God we serve is a righteous, loving God. All they ever hear about through the media is hateful spews, nutty so called Christians picketing soldiers funerals, or Assinate this person or that person. We need to show the true love of Christ through our actions and be a mirror of Jesus. When people look at us, they should see Jesus...not James, not Amanda, not Whatever your name is.
"It's so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it?" - L.M. Montgomery
My challenge to you is to know you are wicked, change the way people see you. Change your appearance to a reflection of the one who saved you...Jesus Christ.
-James
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