He is Risen..

Praise God today, cause He is the LORD of Lords and the KING of Kings!!! His reign is eternal!

Tattoos

Found this interesting article online....

http://www.biblebelievers.com/watkins_tattoos/bible.html

Not sure what to think, other than deny, disagree, and cry.

First, they did a horrible job describing what revelations is talking about with the words on Jesus's leg. Like please break down the original greek for me like he had so graciously done with the original hebrew in Lev.

Second, so much for the love of Christ. Talk about condemnation and seething anger. This article would want me to come to know Christ and the redeeming power of his grace.

What do you think? Tattoos=sin?

this isn't super public info yet, but i wanted to share it with you guys

Suffering, Reality, and Ethan Mills

Suffering leads many to doubt their existing faith in God and seemingly prevents many from ever initially placing faith in God. For this reason, it is an important and touchy subject. Suffering comes between people and their faith for one of two reasons: either intellectual and emotional.

Someone who looks at suffering and has an intellectual problem with God would ask the question; "how does an all powerful and all good God co-exist with all the suffering in the world? Would not the all-powerful God have the ability to end suffering and the all-good God have the desire to do so?"

Someone who looks at suffering and has a personal problem with God would say; "I refuse to believe in God whether he exists or not. A God who could end suffering but doesn't is a malicious being and I will not trust him."

Everyone can think of a context when suffering has long-term or short-term purpose and/or benefit ; e.g., working out, discipline, working a non-fun job, school, and the idea of sacrificing one to save many. The real problem people have with suffering is when it seems to have no purpose, but rather seems pointless. this is the reason people often as the question "why? why me? why him?".Imagine I told you to go and look inside of my car and check if there is a dog in it. Upon a very short investigation, you would have decided very clearly whether or not there is a dog in the car. however, if i asked to go and check if there was a gnat, your search would but much more difficult, and, even if you couldn't find a gnat, you couldn't necessarily conclude that there is no gnat in the car, as they are small and very hard to find. i propose that the reasons behind suffering are more like the gnat than they are the dog. I therefore think that simply because we cannot plainly see God's reasons in suffering, we jump to the conclusion that there are none. Many people must admit that the life lessons that have best helped them and have shaped them into who they are today have come out of times of discomfort and suffering. "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good"--St. Paul

Reality. in reality, Christ does not promise us a happy life, but he does offer a joyful life. Happiness is what happens when kids get what they want a disneland and when you get a date with the hot girl. Joy is when your father dies but you know he is now with Jesus. As followers of Christ we must not expect an easy ride, for, in actuality, we are not even here for ourselves. Christians must be realists. God says that we will suffer with purpose.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord... but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God--St. Paul

I count the sufferings of this present time unworthy to be compared to the Glory that will be revealed in Heaven. Whatever we suffer for the sake of the Gospel will be not only worth it, but so infinitely minuscule in comparison to the Glory of God in heaven that they may even be forgotten once we arrive. Having a perspective of Gospel Christian realism will free us from asking "why?" and instead beckon us to ask "what?" and "who?" this is because we already know why: for the Gospel. the real question is "God, what are you teaching me?" and/or "God, who do you want me to reach through my suffering?"

We must break free from the illusion of Disneyland/fairyland/farm-ville/Happy days America and begin to live lifestyles of missionary sacrifice through suffering that will show the world that our treasure is actually in Heaven and not on Earth.

Ethan Mills

like you saw in the picture at the top, Ethan has the balls to calmly say 'im dyin'. Ethan has battled cancer 3 times, his third bout continuing as i type. On Monday the 22nd (two days ago), the doctor gave Ethan 3-4 months to live. Ethan is a man we can all learn from. Because of cancer (and his family as a result) has suffered and endured more in his 19 years of life than most of us will in our whole life. Yet, he maintains the faith. Ethan does not become depressed because he knows that this life is about God and not about him. Ethan does not complain for the world to see because he knows that doing so could harm the faith of others. Ethan instead reacts like a man of God to an impossible situation and in doing so functionally articulates and displays the Gospel, what all of life is all about. Ethan has been blessed with a faith that will without a doubt encourage and lift up others for years. Ethan will be able to suffer well, with a Gospel perspective, and therefore be a witness to the reality of God's sovereignty and goodness for all to see. The comforting reality is that God will heal Ethan. the hard reality is that it might not be until he arrives in heaven.

Ethan is a source of joy in the lives of many. He has been and will continue to be one of my best friends. Ethan's unshakable faith is an encouragement to me and to many others who know him. God has a plan for Ethan's life.

'God is my shepherd i won't be wanting'.

"i won't be wanting".

that is a hard pill for me to swallow right now.

Sin no longer

What would this look like in my life?

John 5:1-17 The paralytic Bethsaida
Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.

Sinful to heal on the Sabbath! Dreadful! But what practices do we have in our christian culture that is exactly like this!

Also, I believe Jesus is referencing the fact that sin does bring on punishment in this life and the next. However, illness, disease, and "bad things" are not just caused by sin. Job is a testament to that. However, we should Fear the Lord and his will.

John 8:1-11 Adulterous Woman
I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.

Krystle and I just talked about an interesting paradox in our lives. We judge those in our own culture that take advantage of health systems. One of the reasosn health insurance is so high because of the amount of people taking advantage of emergency care and other services; as a nurse in a children's emergency room Krystle saw this first hand. It's hard not to judge these people; some knowing in their hearts they take advantage of the healthcare, others being ignorant, some being lazy, but all needing our help-I mean we have Jesus!

However, we are quick to head to other countries to offer similiar services to people and we do not judge them but our hearts break for them. I'm quick to offer my assistance to the poor outside my country but those within my country get my judgment! I have some ideas about how I want to change this! I'm excited to return to the states to try them out!

Luke 5:20 Paralytic
Friend, your sins are forgiven you.

This was a test-Do you believe Jesus is God? Calling out the Pharisees and the scribes for their pride and worship of power. They didn't know what to believe. How could you not give praise to God for a man being healed of a disease? Especially the faith of the men that dropped him down through a roof in order to get him to Jesus.

Luke 19:1-27
And Jesus said to him, today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Zaccheus was a chief tax collector. the reality is he was rich, despised by the people, a perfect example of the world's view of logic-get what you can at whatever cost! Makes worldly-sense, work hard, store up money/food/protection/etc. But that is not our true calling. For we are not of this world, and this world's logic is not ours. We are sons of Abraham and our lives belong to the Lord. What has he entrusted you with? And are you the faithful or the unfaithful servants expressed in this passage?

Behold the Power of Jesus! Of redemption and grace!

Lord's will

So I have always wondered if it were ok to sin (lie, steal, cheat) if it were for a good reason. Or I at least I had always believed it justified in my mind.

However, I feel that this verse contradicts and negates that idea/sentiment.

1 Peter 3:17
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

When we recognize that we do not have rights as individuals but are slaves (servants) to God's will, we will not fear what man can do to us but rejoice that our LORD reigns!

Now Acts 12 illustrates how the LORD did not want something to happen; Peter to be excuted and He thwarted those plans by divine intervention. However, look at verse 2 it also states that James the brother of John was put to death. The LORD willed that James die and Peter live. Even look at John 21:20-23; Jesus states what is important; get over what happens in this world to others, serve me! If I want certain people to die and others to live, "what is that to you". Preach Christ Crucified. Let the Sovereign Lord worry about the rest!

Now listening to the LORD's will and word is crucial. For instance, many people hid the jews and other individuals from the Nazi's and technically they were disobeying God's command in Romans 13 of "subjection to the governing authority". However, I do believe that is was the LORD's will that some were saved and some were not, similiar to Acts 12.

Baptism by water

So being in Costa Rica has illustrated some spiritual truths that I often forget. The importance of a water cleansing (baptism) is one of those important truths.

1 Peter 3:20-22
who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now save you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

I was talking to Connor the other day and he referenced 1 Peter which reminded me to check it out during my daily bible study. I found some majors truthes hidden in that book! For instance, an appeal to God to cleanse our conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God brought Noah and his family through quite a cleansing when they were the only ones God saved from destruction. Talk about judgment and the cleansing they received by being saved!

Eph 5:26
So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.

Krystle and I were reading Eph 5 for truths about marriage and being servants and this verse reminded me about the importance of washing. Which related directly to the nastiness that is riding on a bus for 3 hours without air conditioning and extreme humidy! I realized how nasty I was stuck in a bus, unable to move because of the other person sitting next to me and how I was just felt disgusting. This is how I must feel about my sin-or need to perceive it! I have felt at times extreme pain and sorrow over my sin, both sadness and anger, but it is not constant. I get complacent and distracted, and go back to my idols.

But this washing of water, though it will clean my body of dirt, signifies so much more. It is the representation of the inward cleansing I desire for my heart; turning away from the lusts of man and embracing the will of the LORD God! This means living his word; being love-laying down our lives, taking the nature of a slave/servant of the Most High and doing his will even when it means we suffer!

I rejoice in the cleansing of my spirit by the word planted in me! Praise Jesus!

Taxes

Romans 13:1-2,6-7

Every person is to be subjection to the governing authorities. For there is NO authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resist authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

For because of this you also pay taxes for rulesr are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them; tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom is due; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.


I look at this statement and recognizes it is the purpose of Christ! It's not about the money, it's about what is due. Specifically for servants of the LORD; we owe Honor and Fear to our Lord. Obedience to follow his commands and do His will.

Other good passages on Taxes: Luke 20:19-26, Matt 22:15-22, Matt 23:1-2, Matt 17:24-27

Pay taxes. It's just money. AND since you do not worship money don't fear giving it to where it's due. We either serve money or Jesus-Matt 6:24

Focus instead on what treasure you seek.

Earthly wealth or heavenly wealth!

When we spend more time discussing, often complaining and griping, but mainly focusing time, energy, and actions on the governement, and more specifically paying taxes, that overshadows Jesus and becomes an idol and that's the side people hear from us. How often is that the approach or the topic discussed between strangers and with friends. It should be Christ Crucified!

1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness.

1 Corinthians 2:2,6-7
For i determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified.
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory.

We need not contend or use the worldy logic of "unfair taxes are wrong and unjust" we need focus on Truth! Christ Crucified!
This should be the words from our mouth and allow God to guide the conversation! He will prepare us with words to say! He has prepared ears to hear!
What is more important?! Preaching a tax law must be changed or Christ crucified!

I am so guilty of this. Before I left for Costa Rica, I was at the Michael's house and we were enjoying each other's company and briefly Chris and I discussed the topic, which was not inherently wrong it's just that my passion for unfair taxes and unfair government was greater than my passion for the lost or the name of the LORD. Granted I do believe Jesus lifts up men and women with gifts to rule governments, both saved and unsaved individuals, but that is not what He has called me for and I need not spend my time on it; instead, I must preach Christ Crucified. As well as, not judge those that do spend their time preach tax law change! For as I measure against others, it will be measured against me; I am not the Judge! Matt 7:1-5, James 4:11-12

Let me know what you think?! Gracias!

Arrogance

Romans 8-13

I have been convicted lately of my arrogance. Arrogance about being from the United States and having a sense of entitlement and superiority to all others, even other US citizens. An arrogance of being Christian. The pride in knowing I’m right spiritually and everyone else follows false gods. I left the US knowing I wanted to work on being servant but I underestimated my ego and how much I disbelieved in truth. I hold myself in contempt while

This arrogance corrupts my soul. I want to stop.

I have been reading through Romans lately, just trying to understand some biblical truth about Jesus, and my life as a new creation. I stumbled across a perfect example of the destructive power of my arrogance.

Romans 11:17-24
But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and the severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted in contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

I recognize the fact that I do not regularly pursue remaining part of the olive tree. I accept that I am a part of it, and do whatever I want. I do not fear, as I should, and in doing so demonstrate my unbelief. And since I would like to remain a part of the olive tree (YHWH), I must learn to obey, submit, and serve my LORD however He sees fit.

How far will I humble myself (Phil 2:8)?
Have I truly crucified my life (Gal 2:20)?
Or do I negate my faith by my actions/disbelief (James 1:23-24)?