Broken

   Have you ever gone through a time where you just don't think things can get any worse? Maybe multiple things happened to you in the period of a few days that just weren't what you were expecting. Maybe you wondered how God could allow those things to happen to you. That's when you get the typical answer from a Christian friend, "everything happens for a reason." You may not like to hear that answer, I believe it is true and even I don't like hearing it sometimes.

   God does do everything for a reason. To illustrate this let me tell you a story I once heard. Once there was a pastor. The pastor was mentoring a young man who decided he wanted to be a pastor. By meeting together, the pastor had discovered some items that had to be dispelled from this young man if he was going to be a successful pastor. Apparently, the young man was very prideful. He thought he could do it all on his own and that he knew everything. One day the young man got some bad news. His father had just died suddenly of a heart attack. The young man was upset and began to call friends to let them know what happened. When he called his first friend, his friend was already crying. The young man asked if his friend had already heard about his father. His friend said "no." The friend then told him that apparently some of their friends had just gotten into an accident and died. The young man broke down. He wondered why God would let this happen. Then he turned his back on God. He began to drink and separate himself from friends and family. Eventually the young man saw the error of his ways and went back to church. The young man spoke with the pastor and said he realized that he had to be broken in order to grow closer to God. He saw that he was prideful and changed his ways (The Bait of Satan).

   This man could be likened to Peter. Peter was almost always one of the first disciples to speak, and sometimes he spoke without thinking. Peter was one of the disciples who argued about who would be greatest. He thought he could control things that just were not in his control. Peter too, was broken. He denied Jesus 3 times when Jesus needed him most. But, after Peter was broken, he turned to Jesus and was a very influential leader in the beginning of the church. Peter gave up his pride and shined brighter than ever. If Peter hadn't gone through that experience he never would have had that influence on others for Christ.

   As Christians I think we forget that sometimes God brings about bad things for our good, even if Satan caused it to happen. We may not like the things that happen to us but they can help us grow in God, if we let them. Being broken hurts but if we are never broken we cannot grow into something more beautiful. Just think about it, even a glow stick needs to be broken before it can shine (otherwise it is useless).

   So, when bad things happen how will you view them? Will you trust that God can use everything for good? Will you let your light shine no matter what happens?

   Psalm 51:8, Psalm 147:3, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

   Image from here. 

During Tests of Life...

   How can you worship something/someone you can't see? That's a question that Christians get sometimes. The argument being that we don't actually know what God looks like and we never actually hear anything from him. Why should we believe in someone we cannot see, hear, or touch?
   I don't know about you but even though I cannot physically see, hear, or touch God I know he is there. I know because I see God in the little things. When I need something like water and suddenly someone brings water to me, by coincidence, I know that is God touching me. When I'm struggling with something and someone comes to talk to me and see how I'm doing I know that's God speaking to me.
   But, sometimes I cannot see, hear, or touch God. I just cannot seem to find him. And, normally, when I cannot see him I feel that I really need him. I feel like I cannot go any longer without him and his help because I've just been beaten down by everything in life. I try to find the positive but it's hard to see the light when you are drowning in the sea of problems.
   In those times, I remember that God never gives us more than we can handle through him. Also I remember this quote from God's Not Dead 2: "the teacher's always quiet during the test." In life we will have times of trial and times of testing. Trials come from Satan. He wants to bring us down and separate us from God. Tests come from God. God wants to see if we will follow him no matter what, which is why he gives us tests (think of Abraham having to sacrifice Isaac).
   God is our teacher. He gives us everything we need to know in the Bible. He also walks with us in life. However, there are times he wants to see how much we have grown, just like any other teacher wants to. Teachers do not talk during tests. They want to see how much the student has learned; and what the student can do on his own.
   After the test is over, the teacher lets the student know how well he did. I don't know about you, but I always worked my hardest to pass tests. I wanted to become better, learn more, and grow. Therefore, I needed to know certain topics before I could learn other, harder, topics. Tests during life seem to be the hardest ones because sometimes you don't know you are in a test. But, whenever something happens in my life I try to look at it through different lenses. I look at it from my perspective, other people's perspective, and God's perspective. I do my best to pass these tests and trials in a godly way.
   So, do you ever have problems finding God? Do you see God in the little things? Do you work your hardest to pass tests given to you?

   Joshua 1:9, James 2:1-4

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

   Some of you may know that I was a soccer goalie. Throughout my goalie career I received many injuries, as I'm sure you can imagine. I have had minor injuries, like brush burns. And, I've had major injuries, like black eyes and boarder line concussions. No matter what injury I received they all had one thing in common: after each injury I received, I got up. As a goalie, it is vital that I got up after each play. If I did not get up then my teammates may have thought I had given up, I would not have made the second save if I needed to, and my team may have thought I was hurt.

   One time when I was playing an indoor game I went out to make a standard breakaway save. I got the ball and then I went to get up quickly like normal, but I couldn't. I started to panic. My body felt fine except for a few brush burns. Then I realized someone or something was touching my head. Turns out my friend, who played defense, was running back and was afraid she was going to kick my head. Instead of kicking my head she used her hand to hold my head down. I don't know how she got her hand down mid sprint but she did, and I've never been more freaked out in my whole goalkeeper career. You have to understand that when I want to get up I get up. I'm not used to something or someone holding me down.

   Maybe you have felt this way about a different situation. You may have been going through a tough time and you just felt like you couldn't get up out of the situation. You may have even felt like the devil was the one holding you down. It reminds me of the commercial where the older person has fallen and she can't get up. Like I'm talking this situation is so bad that it feels like it is the devil pushing you down and you cannot get up. Believe me I have been in that situation as well and it is 10 times worse than just your head being held down. I am talking major panic attacks, worrisome thoughts, and it seems like there is no hope.

   What can you do when it feels like you've fallen and you can't get up because the devil has pushed you down? Let's take a look at the ultimate example again. Jesus was pushed around by the devil. He was out in the wilderness, fasting for 40 days. Could you imagine not eating for 40 days? Let alone, being alone for 40 days? Satan knew this would be the time that Jesus was the weakest. He went to Jesus and tempted Jesus 3 times. He, in essence, tried to hold Jesus down 3 times. Each time Jesus  rebuked the devil. Jesus knew that Satan was wrong because Jesus knew scripture. Jesus kept his eyes fixed on God. In the end Jesus said to Satan: “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Mat.4.10). Jesus used the ultimate take down: he used scripture. He flipped the script on the devil. He flipped the devil over and K.Oed him.

   Jesus gives us this power too, but we cannot do it on our own. Many people would like to think they can do it on their own. They think all of the sudden they are going to get hulk powers and rip the devil apart. Is that what Jesus did? Is that what God did? Ha, no the most powerful beings did not just flip the devil over. They could, Jesus could have that day, but instead he was an example for us. He used God's word to prove that we need him. Jesus comes and tag teams with us. We just need to be willing to call on him, tag him, and let him K.O. the devil. With his help, we cannot be held down.

   So, the next time you are held down what will you do? Do you believe that with Jesus' help you cannot be held down? What can you do to make sure that you grow in your walk with your wrestling partner, Jesus?

   Matthew 4:1-25 and Proverbs 24:16

   Image from here.

Are You a Poser?

   As previously mentioned, I enjoy playing games. I don't like losing games but there's something that's almost as bad in Just Dance: being called a poser. After each dance, in certain Just Dance games, they give you a name/attribute that you were in the song. Typically, I get smooth, energetic, or in rhythm. But, every once in a while if I'm tired or I don't know the song I will be called a poser. That means that I just did well on the big moves.
   As much as I dislike being called a poser in Just Dance there's someplace else in my life that I'd rather not be called a poser in: My walk with Christ. Vocabulary.com defines a poser as "a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not." Are Christians becoming posers? There are some signs that some Christians are becoming posers.
   1. We wear Christian merchandise but we don't know what it means. Some Christians wear verses but don't know where they come from or why they are important. I'm not saying that if you wear Christian merchandise you are automatically a poser, I wear shirts with verses too. What I am saying is that if you are just wearing it to fit in or impress someone without knowing why it is important to you or others, then you are in danger of being a poser.
   2. We go to church but that's as far as our relationship with God goes. You go to church because that's what your parents do/did. You may treat it like a club and don't actually listen to the meat of the message. Then you go home and you don't pray, spend time with God, and don't immerse yourself in the word. You are basically putting on a show for the people at church and that's it.
   3. We only admit we are Christian when it benefits us. You like someone who is a Christian, that's the time to pull out you Christianity card. You are interviewing at a place and you know the boss is a Christian. Ooo boy, it's time to show him/her how much you know about Jesus. But, if you are out with your friends and they don't believe in Jesus, you keep your mouth shut. How is that okay? Being Christian is not like wearing a T-shirt. We cannot just put Christianity on and off. Once we accept Christ it is our job to show him to others at all times. It isn't easy, but it's what we are called to do.
   People are looking for something, or someone, real. We are called hypocrites so many times nowadays because we are posers. We pretend to be something we are not. In essence, we are becoming like the Pharisees who crucified Jesus. At every turn the Pharisees chose to only follow laws if they benefited themselves. Yet, they would condemn others who were committing the same sins they were.
   I don't know about you but I want to be real. I don't want to be a hypocrite, poser, or Pharisee. I want to show the love of Christ to others no matter what. Yes, I mess up. But, that's a good opportunity for me to tell others, "I messed up, I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me." That's how people will see there is something different about us. That’s how people will begin to question and become seekers.
   So, are you a poser Christian? What can you do to stop being a poser, or keep from being a poser? Will you choose to show God's love to others no matter the cost?

   John 14:15, 1 John 2:4, Matthew 7:21-23

   For more information on how to not be a "poser Christian" check out the book Jesus Swagger by Jarrid Wilson. 

   Image from here. 

Receiving what Was Promised in God's Time: David Hall of Faith

   “That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing” (Martin Luther King, Jr.).

   David was probably one of the best kings of Israel. He followed God and chose to obey God’s commandments. David was promised that he would become king. He was blessed by God when he defeated Goliath, he married the King’s daughter, and was a major part of the King’s army. David was set up in Saul’s household. He probably thought that he was going to become king in that traditional way. God had different plans.

   Saul began to hate David because Saul thought David would take his kingdom. Saul even tried to kill David many times. David had the chance to kill Saul twice. David had an army behind him. He even had people offer to kill Saul for him but David refused. David knew that he would receive the promise in due time. He refused to do what was wrong in order to gain something for himself.

   Nowadays many people say do what you need to do to get ahead. Success is measured in how quickly you can get to the top. It does not matter how you get there or who you have to trample. But, God tells us to do the opposite. We are to love everyone and we are not to repay evil for evil. It is our job to trust God and let him bring about his plan in due time.

   So, if someone wrongs you will you take vengeance upon them? Will you love those who wrong you? Will you trust that God has a plan for you?

   1 Samuel 24, Romans 12:17-21, Luke 6:32-42

   Image from here.

From Weakness to Strength: Samson Hall of Faith

   “Try to look at your weakness and convert it into your strength. That’s success” (Zig Ziglar).

   Samson is the person we think of when we think of when we think superhero. Yet, Samson is also the epitome of failure. He had it all: looks, family, strength, wit, and God’s blessing. He threw it all away for what? A girl who did not believe in God. Samson failed over and over again. How could he be in the Hall of Faith?

   Have you ever failed? Did you ever sin? I know we all have. Here’s what is important about failure: we cannot give up. We fail and God forgives. In the end Samson went back to God. He prayed and God gave him back his strength. For so long Samson was relying on his own strength. Even though he was the strongest man in the world, he still had many weaknesses. God can use those weaknesses for his glory.

   Samson would never have had the chance to destroy the temple to Dagon if he would have chosen right all the time. God knows we will fail but he can use those failures for his glory, as long as we stick with him and choose him in the end. That’s not to say we should purposefully sin. It is saying that God loves us even when we do sin.

   So, when you fail what will you do about it? Will you choose to use your weaknesses for God’s glory?

   Judges 16, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 34:17-20
   Image from here.

Doing What You Are Called to Do: Moses Hall of Faith

   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase” (Martin Luther King Jr.).

   When thinking about faith it is easy to think of Moses as one of the most faithful people in the Bible. He gave up the throne in Egypt to follow God and be with his people. Then he listened to a burning bush and went back to Egypt. While he was there it was far from easy for him. His own people were against him, he had to go back to Pharaoh’s court, and he was performing miracles against people which made others dislike him even more.

   When Moses first went to Pharaoh, Pharaoh made the work for the Hebrews harder. In fact, even after the plagues started the Hebrews suffered the first three plagues along with the Egyptians. Moses was probably not the most popular person on top of he probably had doubts about his ability to deliver the Hebrews. But, here’s the thing, Moses wasn’t the one delivering the Hebrews, God was. Moses was just the person God used to deliver the Hebrews. God didn’t stop there. He guided Moses’ steps toward the Promised Land.

   In our lives we may be called to do things we don’t want to do or things that may make people upset. We must remember that God has a plan through it all. Even though Moses and the Hebrews had to go through plagues and other problems God always had a plan. God will always help us through our problems, just maybe not in the way we expect.

   So, when God calls you to do something hard will you choose to do it? Will you trust God even when difficulties come your way?

   Romans 8:28-30, 1 Corinthians 1:26, Colossians 2:23-24

   Image from here.

The Spotlight of Recognition

   Have you ever done something really well? We are talking you poured your heart and soul into this thing. You spent time, sweat, tears, and money on this thing. You would think that you would get some recognition for all that you did, right? No, instead the person who is in charge of whatever you were doing gets the recognition. Or, people don't know you were involved. Or, worse yet, people knew you were involved but you never get thanked!
   What are we to do when we don't get thanked for what we do? Some people may say we should throw a fit, not help again, or leave whatever we were helping with.
   Let me tell you a story that may help you decide what we should do. Once there was a beautiful lighthouse. It was strong, served its purpose, and people said it was the most beautiful lighthouse they had ever seen. One day the light at the top of the lighthouse looked out at all it could see and said, "This is an amazing view." The brick at the bottom of the lighthouse said, "may I take a look?" The light said, "no you must stay in your place otherwise how will others be able to see my light shining in the darkness."
   Later on, in the night, the light shone brightly. The light said, "it is a good thing I am so bright otherwise the ships would crash on the rocks." The brick at the bottom replied, "may I see the ships?" The light laughed, “no you must stay in your place otherwise how will others be able to see my light shining in the darkness."
   The brick on the bottom sighed angrily, "I am tired of staying in my place while you get all of the glory." With those words the brick pulled himself from the lighthouse and went away. The light glanced down and thought, "only one brick is gone I shall still be the most beautiful lighthouse." Then the light felt shaking beneath her. She looked down and saw other bricks had begun to leave. Suddenly, the lighthouse tower began to crack and the light fell to the ground.
   When the dust settled the light realized that she was broken too. No longer was she beautiful and revered but instead she was a pile of rubble. Suddenly, the light heard a noise of a ship's horn. She realized that she could no longer guide those ships away from the sharp rocks that would destroy them. What would happen now that the lighthouse was destroyed?
   So, what is the meaning behind this story? Will you realize that it is vital to appreciate those under your charge? How can you lift up your boss? Will you choose to do your job in order to help others, no matter the personal cost to you?

   Colossians 3:23, Acts 20:35, Matthew 25:21

   Image from here. 

Tangled up in the World

   "The kingdom rejoiced! For the lost princess had returned..." Disney movies are some of my favorite things to watch. I know that there are some not so good things in them, but we can learn lessons from them.
   In the movie Tangled there is a lost princess named Rapunzel. She was taken from her home and raised by a woman, named Mother Gothel, who just wanted Rapunzel for her power. Rapunzel wanted to leave the Tower but Mother Gothel would not let her leave. Rapunzel meets a man who helps her leave the Tower to complete her dream. Of course there are trials on the way, but in the end Rapunzel realizes that she needs a new dream. Her new dream includes the man who loved her, the kingdom, and her parents. There was a huge party because the lost princess had returned.
   This story reminds me a lot of another story from the Bible. The lost son wanted his share of the birthright before his father was dead. His father gave him the money and the son left. The son spent all of his money on frivolous things. Once he did not have any more money people did not like him anymore and he was not popular. He ended up getting a job feeding pigs. Then he decided to go back home. His father welcomed him and there was a huge party.
   Obviously there are some differences between the stories, but there are some major similarities. Though the son left on his own and Rapunzel did not have a choice, both realized that they needed something more. They both had a dream to leave where they were "trapped" and go back home, whether they knew it was their home or not. Both of them faced trials on their journey like soldiers and false friends. Finally, both ended up realizing that their dream needed to change. They both realized where they belonged. When they came home there was a huge party because what was once lost is now found.
   These stories relate to us too. We walk on this earth with a lot of different dreams. But, we realize that those dreams are only temporary fills. We realize we need something more. We need to go home to our father. I'm not talking about our earthly father, I'm talking about our heavenly father. We fail and sin on earth then we realize that doing that is wrong. That's when we repent. We turn around. We turn away from our wicked ways and go toward a new dream. We go towards our true home.
   So, what stage are you at in your life? Are you trying to fill your life with temporary fills? Have you repented and started to run toward your new dream of being with your heavenly Father? 

   Luke 15:11-32, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9

Through Heaven's Eyes

   Have you ever wondered if everything you do is worth it? I know I have, because I do a lot for others and I enjoy doing it. However, it is sometimes hard to keep helping others when you feel like it doesn't make a difference.
   When I start to feel this way I think of a song from The Prince of Egypt called "Through Heaven's Eyes." Some lyrics are, "A single thread in a tapestry, though its color brightly shines, can never see its purpose, in the pattern of the grand design." Our story isn't a whole tapestry. Our story is only one part of the tapestry. We are part of His story. While we are here we have a choice: do we want to be part of God's story and shine brightly for him, or do we want to try to do things for ourselves?
   The song goes on to say: "So how do you measure the worth of a man, in wealth or strength or size, in how much he gained or how much he gave, the answer will come to him who tries, to look at his life through heaven's eyes." Many people try to measure their worth through possessions or success. However, those things are only temporary. We do not take any possessions with us after we die. Many times people compromise to gain success. That is not what we are called to do. We are called to love others and reflect God's glory.
   Finally, the song says: "No life can escape being blown about, by the winds of change and chance, and though you never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance." This life is not going to go the way we planned. God has got better plans for us. We can step back from our lives and not do what God calls us to do. We can kick and scream all we want but God's plan comes about (Jonah). Or, we can walk with God and join the dance of our lives. We don't know what steps God will call us to do, but if he is with us guiding our steps we cannot lose.
   We are not on this earth for a very long time. It may seem like forever when we are here but it is only a short time. We can choose to live this life for ourselves and then rot in eternity. Or, we can choose to follow God and make a difference in the lives of others.
   So, do you believe that your life is part of His story? Will you live your life to reflect his glory? How can you take steps to follow God and help others today?

   1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 John 2:15-17, Proverbs 3:5-6

   Image from here.

Does Everything Really Happen for a Reason?

   For a long time now I have said time and time again that everything happens for a reason. Well the other day I was looking at my home page on Facebook and I saw a blog that said “Dear Christians, Stop Saying Everything Happens for a Reason (link).” I looked at the blog and it was talking about how a loved one had cancer and this woman just could not figure out why God would let that happen. Then she said that somethings are not God’s will. 

   I still stand behind my belief that everything happens for a reason and I will tell you why. The basis of my whole theory is based off of the word of God. James 1:13 talks about how no one is to say “I am being tempted by God” because God does not tempt anyone. However, God does test us. James 1:2-4 discusses the fact that we should count it a joy when we meet trials because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. To say that everything doesn't happen for a reason is to say that God doesn't have control over what happens.

   All of this is to say that yes, sometimes the devil tempts us but God knows about that. For example, let’s think about Job. He had it made: food, animals, land, family, riches, and the list goes on and on. That’s why Satan asked God if he could take away Job’s reason for praising God. And, you know the rest. Job never cursed God. He stayed faithful to him. Satan has to have God’s permission to do anything (1 Corinthians 1:13 [key word: let]). Don’t you think God knows what he is doing?

   Let’s go to the testing then. There are countless people who were tested in the Bible. But, let’s talk about my favorite: Joseph. Joseph had trial after trial. He would excel at everything he did; but then he would be cut down by someone else. Joseph could have given up. He didn’t have to keep doing his best for God’s glory but he did. Joseph passed the test.

   Even looking back at my life I can see God at work. But, there are trials I have faced where I have no idea what God was doing and that’s okay. If I did know what he was doing all the time then I would be God, and I wouldn’t need to worship him. It is through the trials and temptations of life that we grow. We become stronger in God if we pass tests and avoid temptations.

   So, do you believe everything happens for a reason? Do you believe that you will never be given more than you can take? Will you pass tests that God sends your way so that you will grow in Him?

   Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 2:18, 1 Corinthians 1:13

What to do When Waves Come Crashing In

   In the summer my family and I went to the beach for the first time in 8 years (other than when I went to Puerto Rico on a mission trip this past March, but I don’t count that because it wasn’t with my family). My sister was in the water. She was having problems because she kept falling when the waves crashed into her.

   When I realized she was having problems I told her she needs to know when to stand her ground and when to jump over the wave. If the wave is fast and high, she needs to jump. But, if the wave was smaller and slower she needs to stand her ground.

   My sister just could not tell which wave she needed to jump over and which one she needed to stand her ground. Many times she would fall because she jumped too high when she should not have jumped. Or, she would fall because she would stand her ground on a fast wave; and the wave would move the sand under her feet, so she would fall.

   I am telling you this story because it relates to life. We will inevitably all have trials and get tested. But, during those trials we need to know when to stand our ground and when to jump/move. If we choose to stand our ground it may be difficult because the sand moves beneath our feet. It would be really easy for us to jump and not stand our ground, but should we?

   In order to know when we should stand our ground and when we should move when trials come we need to know the Word (Bible). Everything we do needs to be based off the word. If what we are doing/saying goes against the word then we will fall. But if we know that someone is doing something against the word they will fall and we may fall too.

   To clarify let me give you an example: If I am at my job and my boss tells me that I need to lie about how much inventory we have in the store what should I do? I know that if I do not listen to my boss I may lose my job. But, if I lie then I am sinning. So, should I jump the wave and lie. Or, should I stand my ground and tell my boss that I cannot lie even though the wave that hits me may be big and knock me over.

   Finally, there is one option I did not mention in my little example. At the end of the day at the beach my sister got tired of getting knocked over so she left the waves. We do have one other option other than jumping and standing our ground. We can move. We can choose to leave the situation. But, we need to ask ourselves is that what God would want us to do?

   Especially in today’s society we need to be grounded in the Word (Bible). We need to know why we believe what we believe. We need to know when we should stand our ground. And, we need to know when we should leave the situation. In order to know what we should do, we need to have a relationship with God. It is only through his guidance that we will be able to endure the waves of life.

   So, have you ever jumped or sinned when you knew you should not have? Do you know the Bible well enough to know when to stand your ground? And, do you have a good enough relationship with God to know what he is guiding you to do?

   John 16:13, Galatians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 16:13, James 4:17