O' Joy, where art thou?

Oh what joy it is to have a church you truly find joy in. I tell you.. I wouldn't give up my church for the world.
But what makes a church? Is it the building, playground, or excellent child care? Nay, it is the people.
The people make up the church. The people ARE the church. I don't think we say this enough, how important the church is.
The people at my church I consider family. My brothers, my sisters, my fathers and mothers all in Christ. There are a lot of people in my church who may not even realize just how much I love to have fellowship with. Some people I could just sit and talk with for hours about Jesus and spend even more hours praying.

Like today after Faith Bible Institute, Dennis, Faith, Grace and myself stood inside and prayed for a young mormon girl named Sydney. And you know what?
I BELIEVE she will come to Christ.
I BELIEVE Jesus will woo her.
I BELIEVE God will save His daughter.

The power of prayer is so incredible it's beyond any of our understanding why the God of the universe, nay, the CREATOR of the universe even cares about what we think or pray about. The more I get to know Jesus.. daily I find myself baffled by the great things He does for me. I am a sinner and when I wasn't even following He still provided for me. Come to think about it I haven't gone ONE SINGLE day without food or suppliment? By the grace of God and much respect for my mother.. Fatherless, growing up behind a computer screen looking for pleasures of the flesh and satisfaction. I never found it.. Finally, God pulled me out of that life. I found Jesus.. and now my life has completely turned around. Now I'm on my own two feet, paying my own bills, my own car.. I have a life now. And that's not because anything I've done aside from the work I put into it, but that He provided. And it's just that. HE provided it. He provided every thing out of complete grace. WOW. How AWESOME IS THAT?

Now and days I'm so worried about my career, my future wife, my future family... Future this, future that. What someone reminded me today was that I shouldn't be worried about the future. Thanks to Jesus my future is SET. Enjoy the present, and the future will come on it's own. Build this character now so that I wont bring it into marriage. To stop focusing on the blueprints and how the tower will look in the end and... just set one brick at a time.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Those of you worried about something... a wise person once told me this and it always stuck with me. It's so simple, yet powerful. It's to not dwell on things that upset you. Simple right, but how powerful is that to keep with you day by day? How many times do you get upset, frustrated, or irritated? Don't dwell on it. In fact, REPLACE IT!

Replace it with a memory, a thought, an idea. Perhaps something funny.. like someone rolling into a pond.
You'd be surprised just how a simple smile can be contageous.
This life is.. merely a vapor. Enjoy it.. Christ offers so much joy. Have you even attempted to ask for it, or did you just get frustrated and blame Him?
I know I have. Let me ask you something.

Male or female.
When's the last time you had to control an impulse of just raising your hands in absolute joy to the Lord and shouting to thank Him?
Last time for me was on the way home tonight from FBI. Of course.. I had to drive so I couldn't exactly jump for joy or raise my Hands.
God saw my heart though.. Call me an oddball of a man to have such girly impulses. I think it's awesome.

3 hours later, 4 full posts deleted.

I give up on writing one tonight.
Maybe it's better off that way.

The Armor of God - Don't leave it in your closet.

All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of his mercy
As deep cries out to deep - we sing;

Come Lord Jesus come.
Come LORD JESUS come!
COME LORD JESUS COME!
- All who are Thirsty by Kutless -

I don't usually quote songs, but this one spoke to me today as I fasted. And I noticed something. My ''fasting'' was more or less only a day, as a trial run. Next time I'll be more prepared for spiritual warfare. Boy, what a battle today..

On the outside was a BEAUTIFUL day, filled with a light smile as I patrolled on the Golf Cart. But on the inside roared with fiery arrows falling down on me, sword against sword clashing as my spiritual battle raged and the victory line pushed back and forth. Call me imaginative, but I truly believe that's what happened. God provided me armor of light, the Armor of GOD, for what? To hug myself to death in a mirror? No - My God gave me His armor, shield and sword because there is a battle to fight. And although the main war has already been won thanks to Jesus, my battle still rages on day by day until my savior returns. Come Lord Jesus, come...

I'm not ready to announce what battle I fought today, what lies were thrown my way or what was found inside my own heart, but it sure hit me to the core. It felt like.. Like I knew all the answers, yet I still managed to feel the effects of a lie even though I didn't believe it. Like knowing a wall isn't there, but still afraid of it being there as you walk into it. In turn you essentially making it real, and falling because of it. If that makes any sense at all... It's the reason why mothers wouldn't dare think of their children being hit by a car. They know it didn't happen, but the thought alone would drive you insane. That's what I felt today. Believing lies I knew weren't true. I rejoice, however. As I fasted today, kind of.. I didn't face challenges or battles I knew I could win, but rather I faced what MADE me lean on Jesus for strength. An issue I needed to work on instead of an issue I'm having great progress in.

God knows my heart, and when the fast ended with a nice slice of pizza (Praise God), the battle ceased. I realized what heart issue I needed to work on, and next time.. I'll be prepared for it. How, you ask?

The Lord God gives us this awesome manual for fighting these battles. How much more prepared can you get?

Ephesians 6:10-20 - ''Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


6:14 - Stand therefore, having girded your waste with truth.
(Girding up was a matter of pulling in the loose ends as preparation for battle. The belt that pulls all the spiritual loose ends in is ''truth'' or better, ''truthfulness'. The idea is of sincere commitment to fight and win without hypocrisy - self discipline in devotion to victory. Everything that hinders is tucked away.)

- having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
(As believers faithfully live in obedience to and communion with Jesus Christ, His own righteousness produces in them the practical, daily righteousness that becomes their spiritual breastplate.)

6:15 - and having shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace.
(It is that confidence of divine support which allows the believer to stand firm, knowing that since he is at peace with God, God is his strength.)

6:16 - above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
(The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is ''above all'' absolute necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin.)

6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation.
(Although a Christian's feelings about his salvation may be seriously damaged by Satan-inspired doubt, his salvation itself is eternally protected and he need not fear it's loss. )

6:17 - and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
(As the sword was the soldier's only weapon, so God's Word is the only needed weapon, infinitely more powerful than any of Satan's. It is the truth of scripture, in this case, provided as a weapon against Satan.)

'' - being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
______

I will be ready.
Mark my words, God is with me.

I will be courageous.

What does it take to be a man?
I want to know.

When does a boy become a man? When he simply puts away childish things, or perhaps when is it when a man is legal to drive, vote, or have a job?

I believe a man isn't defined by age or what battle scars he has from what kind of challenges he goes through. How far he can spit or how smelly he can fart. I believe a man isn't defined by what licenses he has, how much money he has or what kind of car he drives. I believe a man isn't defined by what kind of house he lives in or how ''hot'' his girlfriend is.

I believe a man is defined by the choices he makes and the life that he leads. Not lives, but leads. A man, bibically, is called to be a spiritual leader. That means he doesn't just live life because it's what every one else does, but through Jesus, through His death, burial and resurrection we have the freedom and are able to LEAD our families and children to be examples of the light and love that is; Jesus.

Our generation desperately needs courageous men to step up. We need men who will not be swayed by the culture or afraid of criticism. We need men who are resolved to lead their families no matter what. Men to teach sexual purity to their sons and daughters so that more children wont enter the world without married parents. Men who stick to their marriage vows and cry out for God's help to love their wives rather than giving up during difficult times. - Resolution for Men

Let's look at it with scripture.

A man is an adult male - Leviticus 27:3
Who accepts his masculinity - 1 Corinthians 16:13
Speaks and acts with maturity - 1 Corinthians 13:11
Embraces responsibility Genesis - 1:26; 2:15
Functions independently Genesis - 2:24; Matthew 12:46-50
Can lead a family faithfully - Genesis - 2:24; 1 Timothy 3:4-5
Recognizes his accountability Ecclesiastes - 12:13-14
As an image bearer of God - Genesis1:26; Corinthians 11:7-9
___
One day God metaphorically pulled me to the side and told me He's chosen me to turn my family around. Not only my currently family, but the fact that I'm going to have a family of my own in the future. I will be a husband, a father, and by God's grace I plan to lead them as their spiritual leader. As a fatherless child, I know the importance of that role to be fulfilled. I will not leave them, nor do I have spite against my own father that left my mother.

God has set a fire within me that burns passionately for Jesus. The same Jesus that hung on that cross to pay the price that was on my shoulders. Thanks to Jesus ALONE, by God's grace through my faith and trust in Him that He alone carried that punishment away and eternally keeps me from breaking that sacrifice.. I'm free.

He also set a fire within me that burns passionately towards being a father. Day by day I seek opportunities, sermons, scripture, examples in other ways to be a loving, understanding, serving, leading husband and father. By the grace of God I spend all my free time learning and meditating on being a strong spiritual leader.

But you see, it's not me. Lord knows that I would never try to or even CARE about any one other than myself. But I am a new creation, crucified with Christ. God has given me a new heart as a new creation to serve, glorify and ultimately please Him.
But I am a long way from pleasing Him. O' Lord, teach me.. show me the lies that I so desperately need Your truth for.

To conclude this post I will say one more thing.

I'm scared.

The same reason I'm scared is the same tool God used to set me free from a deep, DEEP sin that I've had for almost 13 years. January 14th, 2012 I was set free from that sin and here's why. The bondage that I've been under for so long will have to be mentioned to the lady I intend to marry. Most likely she'll be hurt by it. That image alone is hard to bare, hurting my wife. Every thing I do is rooted in being more like Jesus, every hour I work every dream I dream, every step I take and every sermon I listen to is rooted into being more holy because He is holy. If I'm so on fire for being a better husband and yet I start a marriage with a hurting her, what does that say about me as a man?

..I have a lot to learn. I'm glad I'm now free but I just wish I had found freedom much sooner than this. Perhaps I shouldn't complain as much.

Until next time, God be with you.

''As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.'' - Joshua 24:15

Nothing but joy.

Sometimes.. you have no power over the impulse to smile, sing, or drop to your knees and just thank God for the daily joy He gives you. Is it just me?

Something about me that is quite obvious if you know me at all.
I'm a bit emotional.

Most of you will chuckle and ask, "A bit?"

Either way, I was once told that the ratio on men is about 80/20.
80% Thinkers
20% Emotional.

I definitely fall into that 20%. I consider this a blessing.
I feel happiness stronger than most.
I feel joy stronger than most.
I feel sorrow stronger than most.
I feel other people's emotions stronger than most.
Why God, have you blessed me with this? Why have you created me to FEEL much more deeper joy or sorrow? Teach me how to use this to Your glory, Lord..

Faith Bible Institute was amazing tonight.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy every second of the knowledge and wisdom he gives.. But I wish he'd talk more about Jesus. Instead of using the term Savior, sometimes I wish he'd say the name; JESUS! Although I'm sure he has his reasons so I'm not one to complain. Perhaps that's my own impulse to want to shout the name Jesus on the rooftops. I might get shot for that though....... FOR CHRIST! =D

(By the way, I'm sorry for the way I phrased my comment to you at church. Instead of telling you to update your blog, I really wanted just to ask when the next update is coming. Instead it came out more as a demand which I never meant for it to be. Sorry!) Comment directed towards one person that hopefully reads this.

Anyway, So it's apparently my birthday tomorrow. But what does this even mean?
Jeremy's Birth Day. Day of my birth. The birth of another sinner in which murdered Jesus. But through His death, burial and resurrection I was washed by the blood of the Lamb, cleansed and justified through Christ so that I may be saved and indeed do some good in this temporary life. To serve HIM well and to love others as HE loved me. So you see my birthday shouldn't actually be anything about me, but merely a reminder that Jesus, God clothed in flesh, sent to die on the cross for my sins so that I may have life. Thank you Jesus. Thank you at the fact that even if I was the only person on this planet, you'd still hang on the cross for me for the joy that was set before you and save a sinner like me.

What an amazing truth to dwell on.

The few people who read this, I ask you..
What's holding you back on that big idea you've been having?
This may be directed towards one person I don't know. I just feel prompted to ask..
Something that you've been thinking about lately. Something big that may have some risk involved or may be a bigger leap of faith than you're comfortable with.
What's holding you back?
Is it your own excuse?

Jeremiah 29:13

Silence.

Dear Internet,

You've served me in many purposes over the majority of my life. 90% of that time it created a deeper and deeper hole for my laziness. But are you to blame? There is no one to blame but myself. In a world growing rapidly in technology, it's hard to escape your entertainment. But what are you, really? Why do you hold so much importance in my life? I ask myself this question from time to time; What would I do without a computer? What would I do without the internet? Would it matter that I wasn't in tune with every one's social updates? Would I survive if I didn't finish my show Burn Notice? Would I overcome the weakness when it comes again?

In a week from now on my days off.. What will happen when I have nothing to do? Perhaps out of boredom comes inspiration.. What if inspiration was born specifically from creativity?

In a month from now, granted I survive the weeks prior.. what will happen if I find that I need the internet to get by? Anywhere from a blog, to looking something up on Google.. Getting directions or checking my email.

I can't count how many times I've wished I was blind so I could get passed my pride, lust, or simply appreciating life all the more.

I can't count how many times I've wished I was on a deserted island to reach a point where I get past all these distractions and get to the core of God's will for me.

Why does it have to be an extreme measure for me to SEE?
How many more nights will I be up at 2am writing a blog about mountains I seem to climb but come up against the same mountain a week later?

I'm taking a break. Entertainment, mostly. Silence and solitude, I hope.
Just for a little while. No revelations or resolutions.
What comes out of this will between me and God, and the evidence of change you see.

Apart from that, I suppose I'll write another entry in a week or two.

So, dear reader, I ask you this. What's most important in your life and the evidence to prove it? Are you TRULY to the point where you ask yourself on a daily basis.."What can I do today to give God the glory He deserves?" or "Who can I pray for today?" or "Okay Lord, today is a special day because YOU created it. Today you've given me life, you've given me breath and for a reason! Just like the lions roar and the eagles soar, Jesus lives for me today. Who can I serve..."

You're in my prayers.

I hope you feel better.