tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15763657703835706112024-03-12T17:38:26.381-07:00אליוטMy name is Elliott meaning "the Lord is my God"awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-87018059038036168872011-02-03T10:23:00.000-08:002011-02-03T10:28:49.674-08:00Requesting information<iframe frameborder="0" height="1180" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dFcyNkY1LWNQblVKSWg4QnViOHJiR0E6MQ" width="550"></iframe>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-30001777508058314682011-01-30T13:13:00.000-08:002011-01-30T13:13:02.307-08:00The Journey<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Some people have been asking me recently “What is the World Race?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">One of my team mates captured it perfectly:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">“</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The World Race is an 11 month pilgrimage around the world. It`s a journey of abandonment, transformation, and learning how to give everything to God.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span>“<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Thanks Jenny)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a journey that takes you around the world and back. Helping everyone from the orphaned children in Moldova and sex trafficked girls & boys in Cambodia to the families and villages rocked by Joseph Kory’s army of child solders aka the LRA.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a journey that will forever change lives, of those whom we are helping and those who are going. Venturing from places where talking about the Gospel is illegal to the largest slum in Africa.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Placing someone to the frontlines of loving others, giving all of yourself, and truly seeking God. To where there’s nothing left of you and the power that you continue on with is only the power of God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is what some people could view as “extreme” Christianity, but I’d say “Go big or go home”. There’s so many people that God is showing me that need help. Weather that’s drilling the village a well or being the arms an orphan runs to for a reminder that there are people in this cold, dark, fallen world that still love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I can’t not go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I jump off this cliff of life known to some as the American “Dream”; I leave everything behind myself, in faith that God will change me into the man He would have me be for His glory.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I ask for support, in prayer, in time, and fiscally. I can’t do this alone without a base of people who are willing to give & serve along side of me. If you have the means and call to go, the GO! God will do great things through you. If not then send others to go.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-54171804941435032592011-01-29T11:02:00.000-08:002011-01-29T11:02:02.958-08:00With all your heart, mind & strength.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And he answered, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Luke 10:27a</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Martin Luther, the great Reformer, said, “Actually, the key is to understand that if we obey the first two commandments, we won’t break the others.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is the only commandment given by Jesus in the New Testament. The way I view commandments is not what you have to do for God, rather what you get to do as an overflow of the heart because God saved you. I want to look at this commandment and break it down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love the LORD with all of your heart & soul:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I look at this, and I know that the heart & soul are different, but I think they sing in tune with each other. This is the part of you that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:19-20&version=ESV">dances with</a> or <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12:10&version=ESV">blasphemes</a> & <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2063:10;%20Ephesians%204:30&version=ESV">grieves</a> the Holy Spirit. The reason I believe it is mentioned twice is to emphasize the weight of this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love the LORD with all of your mind:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is what would fall into the category of doctrine, theology, hermeneutics, etc. This is an area that I am very passionate about. To study the scripture with the hopes of learning more about what God has revealed about Himself to us, similar to someone one in a relationship reading over love letters or, more appropriately for today, text messages from their loved one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love the LORD with all of your strength:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is loving God in everything you do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 puts it this way: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This would include things like missions, local & abroad. That you display the grace that God has shown you through your actions. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2:14-26&version=ESV">James</a> said that “Faith without works is dead”.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">All three of these things are how faith manifests itself, through grace, in our lives; to be without one can be a very dangerous thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love God in heart/soul & in Strength:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This would be to negate loving God with your mind. With this you wind up with people who are spiritual, where they’re “tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching” (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph%204:14&version=ESV">Eph 4:14</a>). These are the people you want to get asking the questions, that time reading scripture would benefit greatly; as well as having a friend who can answer these questions with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love God in heart/soul & in Mind:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This would be to negate loving God in action. This is someone who will go to church on Sunday mornings, possibly partake in fellowship, but the rest of their week, their life, is unchanged by God. This can be a problem in the American Protestant church as it stands today; where people are Christians Sundays from 9am-12am. I would again point to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2:17&version=esv">James 2:17</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To love God in Mind & in strength:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is to negate loving God with your heart & soul. This is the basis of “religion”. Where someone can explain to you, in depth, the doctrine of propitiation but it never has an impact in their life. Where someone can rely on their works & knowledge to get them through but their heart isn’t in it. This is where I have the biggest struggle. I always need to check myself to see if I’m reading the Scriptures to learn more about God so I can have a better relationship with Him or to check myself to see if the Scriptures & Theology have become a functional idol. These would be like the Pharisees, referred to as “<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203:7-10&version=ESV">a brood of vipers</a>”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">If we fall into one of these categories, we need to come back to God & ask him to fix us, to renew us in heart, mind, & body.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-75077513006669467992011-01-27T10:00:00.003-08:002011-01-27T10:00:40.262-08:00Give me your eyes<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Brandon Heath has a song called “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY">Give me your eyes</a>”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your eyes for just one second</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your eyes so I can see</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Everything that I keep missing</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your love for humanity</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your arms for the broken hearted</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">The ones that are far beyond my reach?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your heart for the one's forgotten</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Give me your eyes so I can see</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’ve prayed this over and over; I can’t help but look around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Here’s what I see</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Kids dying of lack of access to water, sanitation, & food</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Orphans crying out for someone to love them</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Children stolen from the villages to fight in a war that is not theirs</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Haitians living by the tens of thousands in tent cities</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Men acting like boys</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Women acting like prostitutes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Fractured families & broken homes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Religious people in despair because they broke a rule</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prideful religious people turning away people</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The lost seeking to escape further into the darkness</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It greaves me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Down to the core</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It greaves me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Before I had the stance of I am just one person, what can I do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I closed my eyes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I covered my ears.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Josh Wilson’s “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enA2dJ3E3Co">I refuse</a>” nails this:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">I don't want to live like I don't care</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">I don't want to say another empty prayer</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">To do what God has called me to do myself</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">I could choose not to move</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">But I refuse</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m just one person; all I can do is impact those lives near me and anyone who God puts in my path. I know the answer that can help them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Kids dying of lack of access to water, sanitation, & food</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Generosity of the church to help those in need & knowing that, one day, all of their needs will be met (Revelation 21:4)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Orphans crying out for someone to love them</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The love of the Father above (Matthew 19:14)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Children stolen from the villages to fight in a war that is not theirs</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Redemption & healing for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ALL </b>though Christ (1 Timothy 2:3-5)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Haitians living by the tens of thousands in tent cities</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Joy through suffering in Christ (Philippians 1:29)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Men acting like boys</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Becoming Godly men with responsibility, compassion, humility, honesty, etc (<a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/trial/marriage-and-men">Watch this</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Women acting like prostitutes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Becoming Godly women with faith, wisdom, strength, honor, etc (<a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/trial/marriage-and-women">Watch this</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Fractured families & broken homes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Drawing the center of the home around the One who can never be broken (Colossians 3:17)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Religious people in despair because they broke a rule</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Strength, knowing that salvation is an ongoing process that God does in us (Philippians 1:6)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prideful religious people turning away people</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Humility, knowing that salvation was done for you, not by works of yourself (Ephesians 2:8)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The lost seeking to escape further into the darkness</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The light of the world (John 8:12)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is the Gospel, that Christ is the answer for all things, but know that there are people who will speak against you. There are those who would imprison or kill you if you bring this message. There are people who will oppose you; they will be your enemy. Love them, pray that God would save them and let their hearts be melted by His love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">“The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay.”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">An old Puritan saying</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-69257163399272508022011-01-26T10:49:00.001-08:002011-01-26T10:49:56.167-08:00Would you give up your salvation?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’ve been taking some time off from blogging to focus more on my reading, listening to sermons, & reading. I would suggest some books:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Humility</i> by C. J. Mahaney </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">True Religion</i> by Palmer Chinchen</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I came across a very heavy passage in my time in Scripture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Romans 9:1-3</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Go back and read it again & let it sink in. Paul, writer 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, said he would be willing to be cut off from Christ (grace & salvation) to see the Israelites saved. Would you be willing to give up your salvation if it meant that one person would have grace shown to them?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Who would it be?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Would it be your brother or sister?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe a son or daughter?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Your parents?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">A close friend?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Would you do it for a total stranger?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Would you be willing to die? Would you be willing to spend your life living, so someone might know the hope, love & peace of the one, true, living God?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">John 15:13</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is what Christ did, as part of the Trinity, came into creation adding humanity to His divinity. He lived the perfect life as an example to us; teaching us to love God with all of our heart, mind, and body. Then we nailed Him to a cross. As he died of a heart attack, he cried out in a loud voice:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">IT IS FINISHED!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Unjustly the Father poured our His wrath on the Son, so we could be justified. He did this so that Christ’s righteousness would be ours. He laid in a grave for 3 days, then rose up conquering death & the flesh. He died so that you might put your sin to death & live in Christ for all eternity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Salvation doesn’t start when you die, and it doesn’t end when you die. It started when God knew you in eternity past & plays out into eternity future. He knows everything about you, everything you have done, everything you’re doing and everything you will do. It is an ongoing process. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">And I am sure of this, that that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Philippians 1:6</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Keep the faith, knowing that God has worked in you, is working in you and will continue to work in you, but don’t get a big head about this. Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), but be grateful & praise Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Go tell others, bring them hope, love, joy & peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Go show others, serve them, through trials & persecution.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-92032224584436413302011-01-12T11:04:00.000-08:002011-01-12T11:04:10.291-08:00Reflections<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">There is a light in this dark world</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are all mirrors</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are built to reflect</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">But what will we reflect?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Turned to the perfect angle we reflect the light into the world</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Turned full back to the light we cast a shadow</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">How will we reflect God’s light to this world?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are imperfect as mirrors</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are broken</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are dirty</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">But even the dirtiest, shattered mirror still reflects light</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">The light does not wait for the mirror to become whole</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">The light does not wait for the mirror to get repaired</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">God wants you to come to Him dirty & broken</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">So that He can make you clean & whole</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">One day the stains on our surface will be wiped away</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">One day the cracks will disappear</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">One day we will be transparent</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">To show the light perfectly</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">How can you reflect God’s love to someone?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">What did He do for us?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He laughed.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>We laugh.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He loved.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>We love.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He cried.<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We cry.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He prayed.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>We pray.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He gave.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>We give.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He taught.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>We teach.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He sent.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>We send.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">He died.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>We die.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rose.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we will also.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">We are to reflect Him, so that He will be made know through us.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">God has chosen you.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Reflect Him.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><img src="http://mdb8.ibibo.com/05853616c7465645f5f82c25502ce84a012a59463024a4740a1235dbe9eb455b211d2131a0bae9f315f281880a2525f5b0b155fb2.jpeg/male-light-reflection-dark-wall.jpeg" /></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-17320072407612025602011-01-08T07:12:00.000-08:002011-01-08T07:12:16.060-08:00Reincarnation aka the art of procrastination<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Reincarnation, the idea or belief that when the body dies the sould will leave that body to be bourn into a new one. There are many times I wish this was true, think back on how many times you have thought “I wish I could go back and change that” or “I wish I had done something different there”. I mean my life is riddled with areas I wish I could change. Situations I wish I could have changed the outcomes, love I wish I had chased, time waisted on futile persuits I wish I could have back. I know that who I am today has been shapped by the potter’s hands and I wouldn’t change a moment of it, some lesions are hard learned.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I will give the Buddhist & Hindi are correct when they say “Life [without God] is suffering”, but reincarnation is the art of procrastination. If someone told you that you could go back, you could try again, it would be cool, but it would also say that your choices in this life don’t really matter. So if you do really bad, its not really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> bad; adversely this means that the good things done in this life aren’t really good. So there’s no real reason to do good. I mean, let’s look at this logically.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you believe in reincarnation:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you haven’t done anything with your life other than sit on the couch, eating potato chips, watching TV, letting the world pass you by then die of a heartattack from clogged artries. Cool, maybe you’ll come back as a physical trainer, climb mount everist, go skydiving, etc</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You missed that connection with the girl you really like, maybe you can catch her in another life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are those who are lonely, maybe if they kill themselves they’ll have a life with more friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are starving children in Africa. Good, they’ll die soon and maybe they can be reincarnated as an obease American child.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A person was born with a disability or handed a bad lot in life, well maybe they did something bad in their last life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There’s something in the back of your head screaming “NO! THAT’S NOT RIGHT!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Reincarnation is a scape goat to free yourself from conviction & responcibility. You won’t feel convicted if you didn’t do something or did do something that wasn’t “right”. It frees you from responcibility of doing the “right” thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Conviction comes from God, to ignore that feeling inside of you saying “this is wrong” is to ignore God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">” And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">John 16:8</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">We need to make the absolute most out of this life. Help as many people as we can. “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Apple</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Hebrews 9:27</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I hope this lights a fire under your butt. There are people suffering out there, they need help.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The end point for a for someone who believes in reincarnation would be “let them die” or “kill them and put them out of their misery”.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The end point for a follower of Christ would be, “They’re dieing. We need to help them.” The proper response is to get up and GO! GO! GO!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Live your life like you’re dieing, cause you are.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-81097062571268255632011-01-03T05:46:00.001-08:002011-01-03T05:49:36.634-08:00The least of these.<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is a poem that was written by a Moldavian orphan.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Our parents work hard abroad</em><br />
<em>And have for many years</em><br />
<em>We have to grow up without them</em><br />
<em>But this fills our eyes with tears</em><br />
<em>~~~~~~~~~~</em><br />
<em>Mother, who will care for me if you are away?</em><br />
<em>Our home will have no master, father, if you chose not to stay</em><br />
<em>~~~~~~~~~~</em><br />
<em>I miss my parents very much,</em><br />
<em>I am feeling so alone</em><br />
<em>I want no money or no clothes,</em><br />
<em>I want you to come home</em><br />
<em>~~~~~~~~~~</em><br />
<em>Mother, who will care for me if you are away?</em><br />
<em>Our home will have no master, father, if you chose not to stay</em><br />
<em>~~~~~~~~~~</em><br />
<em>Parents, can you hear us?</em><br />
<em>We need you to come home</em><br />
<em>Other people’s slaves were made</em><br />
<em>When you leave us on our own</em><br />
<em>~~~~~~~~~~</em><br />
<em>Mother, who will care for me if you are away?</em><br />
<em>Our home will have no master, father, if you chose not to stay</em></div><br />
This breaks my heart. Where there are those who might not have the warmest coat or blankets for the long, harsh eastern European winter. Where there are those who might not have the best food available to fill their tiny stomachs. Where there are those who might not have the best facilities to house these orphans. The one thing that they want, the one thing that they crave… is love.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img _cke_saved_src="http://dealwithwhites.com/family/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/moldova_orphans1.jpg" src="http://dealwithwhites.com/family/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/moldova_orphans1.jpg" style="cursor: default;" /></div><br />
I can’t stand by doing nothing while even one of these kids shiver through the night.<br />
I can’t put on my jacket to keep warm without thinking about the little ones who cannot do the same.<br />
I can’t eat one meal without thinking about one of these children who maybe going without.<br />
I can’t look at the place I live, with climate control to keep the cold out, without knowing there are those who cannot enjoy the same.<br />
<br />
I can’t live one moment of my life knowing there are those out there who have not been loved. God has shown me love in abundance. I want to take this love to those without.<br />
<br />
If you have been moved at all, if your heart breaks, if you cannot stop crying at this thought then do something about it.<br />
<br />
Go bring love to these children.<br />
If you cannot go, send others who can.<br />
So that you may know you are helping.<br />
<br />
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Matthew 25:40</em><br />
<em>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Jesus</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
If you can't go help send me:<br />
<a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301">https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301</a></div></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-24830781350370013162011-01-02T06:03:00.000-08:002011-01-02T06:15:21.199-08:00My lesson in Humility<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I must apologize because I realized that my last post sounded harsh. I know that because I follow Jesus people will be offended, but I need to watch out where that offence comes from. It will either originate with their rejection of the truth. For example if someone is lacking on hygiene and try to tell them humbly & politely “I don’t mean to offend you, but you may have forgotten to take a shower today.” This person will either welcome this information and go take a shower, or they could get offended because you called out something they didn’t want people to notice. The other scenario would be the way that you tell someone. If you walk up to this same person and say “Man, you smell like you stepped in dog poo. You need a bath, stinky.” While it may be true this is the proud or arrogant way to do it. So again I apologize and ask for your forgiveness that I was speaking proudly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I would like to explain this in a more humble way. There are two major ways to sin, omission and commission.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Sins of Commission</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To commit, to partake, carry out, complete, or do and act that is against God. I know that most of us are familiar with this. The heart of sin is idolatry. I know what you’re thinking “But I don’t have any statues”. Idolatry is to place something or someone in God’s rightful place as ruler over everything in our lives. To find out truly ask yourself “Who is in control of your life?” If your answer is “Me, I control my life.” You are prideful and you idolize yourself (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204:6&version=ESV">James 4:6</a>). Another way to find out is truly ask yourself “What drives my life?” or “What do I spend the most time doing or thinking about?” Is it sex, money, power, religion, morality, missions/ministry? Are these things bad? No.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sex with your spouse, in a godlily marriage, is a beautiful thing (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+1&version=ESV">Song of Solomon</a>), but <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/extramarital">extramarital</a> relations in thought & action is adultery (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:27-32&version=ESV">Matt 5:27-32</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Power is needed to make global changes (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013:1&version=ESV">Rom 13:1</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Money is necessary for survival in this world, but do not chase after it because God will provide (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012:6-7&version=ESV">Luke 12:6-7</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:24&version=ESV">Matt 6:24</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Religion & morality are great when we focus on God and not about relying on it to get to heaven (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:8-9&version=ESV">Eph 2:8-9</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204:1-5&version=ESV">1 Tim 4:1-5</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Missions & ministry are part of what we are told to do (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:16-20&version=ESV">Matt 28:16-20</a>), but if you focus on ministry more than actually spreading the love of God it can become an idol (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:19-20&version=ESV">Matt 10:19-20</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202:14-26&version=ESV">James 2:14-26</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are a lot of good things, but to take them and put them over God is sinful.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Sins of Omission</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The immediate reaction to this would be to then lock yourself in a room so that you might not sin by action. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204:17&version=ESV">James 4:17</a><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And people might say that there are people that haven’t heard what to do, but because of God’s grace everyone has a conscious. So we all know the difference between good and evil, but let me clarify if you may have forgotten:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those who are hungry in the world. Feed them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those without water. Drill them a well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are homeless. Shelter them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are orphans. Love them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those who are naked. Clothe them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those in jail. Visit them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those who are sick. Give them medicine & care for them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those in oppression. Free them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those in despair. Bring them the hope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There are those in need. Help them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301">If you can’t physically do so enable & support others who can and you will go with them.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matthew 25:36-41<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me,</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24041D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">I was in prison and you came to me. 'Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>And</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">the King will answer them,</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">my brothers,</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-24045a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">you did it to me.'<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the eternal fire prepared for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the devil and his angels.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">We are all sinners. Give in to that feeling, that conviction. Tell God you’re sorry, and actually be sorry. Ask Him to change your heart and give you new motivation for Him. Take His love to others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">More on this can be found here:</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/doctrine/fall-god-judges">Doctrine series “The Fall: God Judges”</a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b385/Pakosmiley/definenecessity.jpg" /></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-62683582942968826582010-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:002011-01-02T06:12:06.852-08:00Why not just pull the trigger?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">EDIT NOTE: before reading please view this <a _cke_saved_href="http://nicwolfe.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-lesson-in-humility" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1576365770383570611&postID=6268358294296882658">post</a><br />
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There are those who don’t know the tragedies and horrors of the world. Like the fact that there are kids dyeing in Africa from malaria, something that is completely curable with very little medication. There are children dyeing all over the world from lack of access to clean water and sanitation. I have no problem with these people, they’re just unaware that these things are going on. Part of what I have to do is inform these people who don’t know. Once people know what is going on they will react one of two ways.<br />
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The first is those whose heart breaks. They hear of a little girl being captured by the LRA then is forced to bite to death another little girl and they start crying. They want to find a way to help; it burrows into their soul so deep that they can’t look away. These are the people who will tell others about what is going on. They will make sure that everyone knows. They are the ones who become expatriates to help those in need. They will sacrifice anything and everything they have to help. These are the dedicated ones. These are the ones who care. If your reaction doesn’t quite match this then you probably fall into the other reaction.<br />
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The other reaction people will have is that they don’t care. These are the people who hear about a little girl in Cambodia being sold by her grandfather to a sex slave trafficker and say “Oh that’s sad, someone should do something about it.” Then they assume someone else will take care of it. By standing by and doing nothing it enables those who are committing these acts to continue. It is saying that it is ok for these things to happen. It is to stand beside these genocidists, fighting for them. Enabling & empowering them. These are the people who would sit idly by as someone beats a child to death or rapes a defenseless woman. This brings up a good question.<br />
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How do you react?<br />
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This isn’t a question that is just answered by words it is answered by action.<br />
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The words that you answer with are in prayer & commitment. Pray that things change and make a verbal commitment to help. This is followed by action.<br />
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The action response is to sacrifice; the sacrifice of your life, to go and physically help in any way possible. You leave all that you know and all your comforts to help those in need. I can understand that not everyone can do this; in fact I know that very few will be able to. So those who cannot go need to enable those can.<br />
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To enable those who go, with money and time. Giving time to learn about what is going on and keeping up with it and telling others what is happening, so that no one may be ignorant of the suffering and the help that is needed.<br />
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Or you can react with those who do not care… but remember who you are killing when you say you don’t care.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img _cke_saved_src="http://www.aka-alias.net/uploaded_images/uganda-children-794145.jpg" src="http://www.aka-alias.net/uploaded_images/uganda-children-794145.jpg" style="cursor: default;" /></div></div></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-62537093538795239342010-12-28T22:10:00.000-08:002010-12-28T22:10:04.766-08:00A message of giving<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Luke 1:1-4<br />
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.<br />
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I love this passage for multiple reasons, aside from the fact that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” this passage speaks volumes. There were many people in the 1<sup>st</sup> century that wrote about what Jesus did while on earth, 4 of which were picked by God to persevere the ages to bring us the words of Christ. The Gospel of Luke was written by a well educated (within the top 1% of the populous) doctor. He left his practice to investigate ineptly the works of this Man, Jesus of Nazareth. Through the investigation and testimonies of eye-witnesses it was shown that He was the God-Man, savior and redeemer of mankind.<br />
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Both Luke & Acts open with an address to a Theophilus, which means “loved by God”. It is presumed that both books were commissioned & paid for by this man. This means that he funded Luke’s life & travel during the writing of these books. If Theophilus had decided that there were enough gospels written or that someone else would take care of it not only would we not have the Gospel of Luke, but we also wouldn’t have the information listed in Acts. So even though Theophilus didn’t pen either book they would not have been possible without them.<br />
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But like Luke I will be making sacrifices. Luke being one of the better educated people in that day had the opportunity to be a very wealthy man, most likely leaving behind a home & possessions, but he spent his life perusing Jesus. This is what I plan on doing; I will give all that I have to be able to go. I ask that you would become part of this ministry. I would ask that you be my Theophilus and enable me to go through prayer & donations. Anything given is greatly appreciated, if you can spare $5, $10 or more I would appreciate it. I would ask that you remember everyone who would be touched by this mission.<br />
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Donations can either be made directly to me or through the following site:<br />
<a _cke_saved_href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301" href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301">https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5500301</a><br />
(all donations made through the site are tax deductible)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img _cke_saved_src="http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/SODimages3/150_StLuke_SimoneMartini.jpg" src="http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/SODimages3/150_StLuke_SimoneMartini.jpg" style="cursor: default;" /></div></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-30777688716128031312010-12-22T01:37:00.000-08:002010-12-22T01:37:10.022-08:00You don't have baggage, you are baggage.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Imagine this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You find a program that lets you live abroad for very little cost. They let you know that part of this program is that you work while you’re in these areas. You prep yourself for a year long trip, get all of your documents in order, get your contact’s information, and set your flight. You’re excited as the plane lands Heathrow in London. You take a cab to the flat where you’re supposed to meet your contact. You’re welcomed in, set your stuff down. You start chatting with your hosts, share a few drinks. You start to feel groggy & pass out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You wake up in a much different side of town. A very shady flat where the wallpaper is falling off the wall, you have an old, stained mattress on the floor. You have no idea where you are or where your stuff went. Your “host” informs you that it’s time to start paying back for your trip. You immediately protest to what they have done to you. This man who brought you here beats you and tells you that you’ll do as he says or he’ll kill you, after all he did pay a good amount of money for you. You’re kept in this place for a few weeks, nightly getting beaten & raped. This man brings over other people to do the same thing to you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">One day you see an opportunity to escape. Knocking out your captor and run for it. You run for blocks until you find a police station. Out of breath you try to explain to the officer about what has been happening to you. The officer listens and they take you into the back. After some time the officer asks you for your identification. You think about it and you know it’s with your belongings, wherever they are. They are more interested in your citizen ship, rather than what has happened to you. They label you an illegal immigrant & throw you in jail for being in the country illegally. Your captor finds you and pays your bail and you’re back in their custody.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is the story of an estimated 2.5 million people. This is what it is like to be a victim of Human Trafficking; some people get tricked into this by promises of moving from a 3<sup>rd</sup> world country to a developed country for a better life. Others, normally children or teens, are sold into this by their parents. There are quite a few that are kidnapped and forced into sex trades or manual labor. The majority of people are 18-24, although 1.2 million of its victims are children.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.dakotavoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/humantrafficking.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is normally a rare situation for an American citizen, as there are things that can be done, like going to the US embassy in that country. There are many people who cannot do this, they are normally tracked down by the trafficker and forced back in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The Adventures in Missions organization has programs that are a safe haven to these people. One of the things I could be doing on the World Race is helping out with this program of counseling and ministering to these victims.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44425000/gif/_44425220_human_traffick_416map.gif" /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I would ask for your prayers on this trip, but any donations would be helpful. You can donate at the following link:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5491581">Click here</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSpQxvtTbFU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-5006438348742663672010-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:002010-12-21T08:01:36.675-08:00God give me strengthI feel God calling me to some dangerous places, He has given me courage to no fear the things that would destroy the body. He has broken my heart for a lot of things.<br />
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To help those affected by the LRA in Uganda, DR Congo, Central African Republic & Sudan.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-feqkTorWv79RIfEGE0_bmEvmJfI6HpHzPiBXQ0NT1Nd2orkruQ" /></div><br />
To help & encourage the persecuted church in any and all ways possible.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.angalossy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/images-3.jpg" /></div><br />
To help those who have experienced <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LEZA8_hOFw&feature=player_embedded#!">human trafficking</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6fJwfKYi1vrO18uqI-Uw4knz3I9UQ_hpEsztbOwjjQmidOMMj" /></div><br />
Through the World Race program I am able to go to Uganda, China, Cambodia. and other places. I will always ask that you pray for me as I go do these things. I ask that you wouldn't pray for my safety, but pray God's will would be done on this trip.<br />
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Any finical contributions would be greatly appreciated. You may donate at the following link:<br />
<a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nic%20Wolfe&tuid=5491581">Donate</a>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-42278766009209177452010-12-16T10:41:00.000-08:002010-12-16T10:41:32.745-08:00Where am I going?So for most of you who have been keeping up with this, I got accepted to the <a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/">World Race</a> program.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will be spending 11 months abroad. The possibilities of what I will be doing is endless. Helping orphans, making clean water wells, working with sex trafficked women, construction, teaching, hospital visits. Doing all things to the glory of God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will continue to update this blog, but I will also have another one on the <a href="http://nicwolfe.theworldrace.org/">World Race site</a>. I will try to keep both up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are all of the countries that I'm going to (I plan on writing about each country)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TKRMQad8qxo/TQpbF2-x29I/AAAAAAAAABA/GM9mhBM-a0E/s1600/Worldracecomposite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TKRMQad8qxo/TQpbF2-x29I/AAAAAAAAABA/GM9mhBM-a0E/s320/Worldracecomposite.png" width="269" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would ask for prayer. Not for </span>safety<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, but that God's work would be done. </span>I have taken hold and continue to pray for the mentality that Paul had.<br />
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Acts 21:13<br />
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."<br />
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I will continue to ask for prayer. If you are able to help fiscally, anything and everything helps, and I greatly appreciate any donations. <a href="http://ow.ly/3qmud">http://ow.ly/3qmud</a>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-59827194025413351612010-12-08T03:50:00.000-08:002010-12-08T03:50:45.958-08:00Pray for me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I feel like God has called me to go. I cannot stand by and let someone else do what God has called me to do myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Isaiah 6:8</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p>I know I have said I request prayers. These are the areas that I would ask you pray for me.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do not ask that you pray for my safety, but that you would pray God would take me where He wants me to go, even if this includes dangers & hardships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Matthew 10:28</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do not ask that you pray that Christianity would spread, but that I would be able to boldly proclaim the Gospel and that many would be saved & that the Gospel would spread.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Ephesians 6:19-20</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-17330540503172758532010-12-08T02:05:00.000-08:002010-12-08T02:05:04.323-08:00All I want for Christmas...I've already got my 2 front teeth, so I had to think hard about what I want. They follow in no particular order, just what I quick access to.<br />
<br />
First would be any kind of <a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nicholas%20Wolfe">donation to my World Race fund</a>.<br />
<br />
Second would be any one of the books on my <a href="http://amzn.com/w/3ERJ1ZJ0WPWKK">Amazon wishlist</a>.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Third would be a donation to <a href="http://www.gfa.org/gift/">Gospel for Asia</a> or <a href="http://www.lifewater.org/donate">Life Water</a>.</span>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-63740420671566459612010-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:002010-12-04T09:42:00.469-08:00Stop selling Jesus<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Let the Gospel speak for itself.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">God created me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have separated myself from Him. I've been judgmental, a liar, a slut, lazy, religious & prideful (and the list just keeps getting longer). And by doing this I would always be separated from Him.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">God loved me and knew I would do this and because He desired a relationship with me He sent His Son to take the punishment for me.<br />
He revealed Himself to me, so that I would know what He did for me.<br />
He changed my heart & my motives so that I would love Him.<br />
And He can do the same for you.</div><br />
There are so many people who try to sell Jesus to their friends, family, co-workers, & congregation.So I have to ask what is the point of doing this? Jesus is not a commodity to be bought and sold. I see a lot of preachers making God into a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><em style="font-style: normal;">piñata</em></span>. You pray to Him and He'll give you whatever you want.<br />
<br />
A seed sower doesn't plant the seed, and then immediately stare at the ground and expect a plant to spring up ready to be harvested, do they? I say don't put people in a high pressure sales situation "Well I've told you about Jesus, do you want to accept Him?" Maybe have them pray "the prayer" or walk "the isle"?<br />
<br />
Just remember there was another man who tried to sell Jesus, for 30 silver pieces. So before trying to sell Jesus think which team you're on.<br />
<br />
And I'd say let others believe what they want to, no matter how tolerant or intolerant it is. Because:<br />
<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 5:12-13<br />
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Jesus Action Figure - Click Image to Close" height="320" src="http://retrotoys.com/images/JesusAction.jpg" width="320" /><br />
(I would like to say I'm not against the <a href="http://retrotoys.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1393&zenid=22eeedf4a57bc7a84da34653335ba108">Jesus action figure</a>, I think its funny.)awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-56614581876728804222010-12-01T07:27:00.000-08:002010-12-02T02:23:59.274-08:00The next step<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">I received the call that I've been accepted to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=august-2011">World Race</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>program. I am so excited I could barely contain myself on my drive home from work yesterday. I wanted to dance in the street in my "ephod".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The next thing I’m looking to do is getting accepted to the pastoral internship at my church. The main reason I want to this is so I can have a very well defined view of theology. Even if I do not get the internship I will take refuge in the spirit that God will give me the right words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Luke 12:11-12<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">I would request that I would be in your prayers & encouragement while I’m approaching this opportunity. I ask that you would pray, not for my safety, but that God’s work would be done through this trip. I would ask for prayers that, if it is His will, the way would be provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Lu</span><span style="color: black;">ke 10:2-4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.</span></div><div align="center" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif;">I will do everything I can to carry the finical burden & trust that God will provide. If you would like to make donations, they can be made <a href="https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Nicholas%20Wolfe">here</a>.</span></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-88961347071737403312010-11-21T05:51:00.000-08:002010-11-21T05:51:37.059-08:00See the Invisible. Hear the Silent.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Imagine this (you may want to imagine this as one of your children, niece, or nephew). You’re 5 years old. What are you doing?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are you playing tag with your friends? Having tea parties?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You wake up one night to hear a scuffle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Wake up to find that your parents have been killed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Suddenly you’re approached by an older kid, maybe 10 years old. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">They’re carrying an AK-47.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">They tell you that they’re the one who killed your parents & that you have to come with them or they will kill you too. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://joshuadysart.com/unknownsoldier/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/lra-child-soldier.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You’re walked to a truck and loaded up with other children your age.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">They’re crying because they’ve just gone through the same thing as you. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="169" data-width="298" height="169" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQPUpcOeOCH8GKkXEWlufr9r5lD84A53o03hGGDrACEHuulEORVw" style="height: 157px; width: 277px;" width="298" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s very late, maybe 4am. You’re pulled out of the truck and lined up. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">They grab the child next to you & cut off their arms & legs then split them open & cut off their head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">They give no reason why they did this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Another child starts crying; they grab them and do the same as the first.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Welcome to being a soldier in the Lord’s Resistance Army.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">If you’re big enough you’re outfitted with a gun. If not you’re given a whistle and become a flesh shield.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0vi_nr1PAau3GDy-gPVo9Y95-zEQRWQvjb0-FbR9QFzzCoEiLgQ" style="height: 152px; width: 229px;" width="275" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You’re then forced to do the same as the person who killed your parents & if you resist, try to escape, you will be killed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You see this day after day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">These are the <a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/split_screen">Invisible Children</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">These are the <a href="http://www.fallingwhistles.com/">Falling Whistles</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are you thinking this is grotesque?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are you thinking this can’t be real?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are you thinking this needs to be stopped?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Good, but right now you’re only one of 5000.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">How many people would hear about his and just pass on saying "Someone else will take care of it."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Someone else has taken care of it, since 1987 someone else has taken care of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">23 years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe it's time for others to stand up as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">President Obama and his advisors are now creating the first-ever comprehensive U.S. strategy to help see LRA atrocities ended, and its content will impact the future for hundreds of thousands of people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Your voice can help make sure the President's strategy includes the major investment of new resources and leadership needed to achieve peace by <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2241/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4766">signing the pledge</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As Christians we're called to help the oppressed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As a human we should show compassion for those weaker than us.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-69641679542258800662010-11-18T00:59:00.000-08:002010-11-18T00:59:35.540-08:00God is goodHad my interview with the people who do <a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/">World Race</a>. Things went well, but even if I am not chosen to go I will praise God.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">God is good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In all things, God is good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Romans 8:28</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Genesis 50:20</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He has worked through me, not because of me but despite me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will praise him.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-27289861672303205662010-11-15T05:19:00.000-08:002010-11-15T05:36:48.136-08:00I love the intolerant.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So many people today claim tolerance; this seems to be the reoccurring theme in current world mentality. That everyone should be tolerant of everyone else’s religion. Live and let live. So everyone should be tolerant of everyone else’s beliefs. Everyone should be fully tolerant of everyone’s world view. That no one has the right to tell someone they’re wrong in their belief.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tolerance is intolerant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’ve had so many “tolerant” people tell me that I’m intolerant. So tolerance is only tolerant of the tolerant, which makes them intolerant of the intolerant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tolerance is intolerant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So I have been having this conversation over & over.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">“Christians expect people to believe in their God and live their lifestyle, they should be more tolerant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tolerance states that I can see my friend walking off a cliff, but that is their decision. I will let them walk off the cliff.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m all for Christians loving everyone, regardless who they are. That’s biblical.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Mark 12:30-31</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself unless they’re Muslim extremists.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself unless they’re GLBT.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself unless they’re religious.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself unless they’re atheist.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t say “Love your neighbor as yourself unless they’re your enemy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Love states that I see anyone, my friend or my enemy; walking over a cliff that I should do everything I can to stop them. Even if that means laying down my life to show them the truth; if the only way to show them that they are going over a cliff is to jump off first, I would gladly do that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">John 15:13</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tolerance means you'll be liked by everyone, popular. This is the easy to go.<br />
Love means that you'll do things that people may not like. That you may become unpopular because you love someone enough to tell them the truth.<br />
<br />
Who loves their children more, the father who lets their children do whatever they want, even if it leads to their own destruction or the father who will discipline his children to save them from themselves?<br />
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I would rather love everyone than be tolerant of everyone.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-78379397147582002032010-11-12T06:05:00.001-08:002010-11-12T06:05:43.451-08:00And so it begins<div class="MsoNormal">I have just submitted my application for <a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/">The World Race</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know there are things that I need to do in preparation, physically & spiritually.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am working on reading through the whole bible. Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to go to a dentist, optometrist & doctor to make sure I’m fully ready to go wherever He leads.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Praying God would provide guidance, a clear path, and a means as He sees fit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am requesting that my brothers and sisters in Christ help teach me and show me discipleship and help me grow with fellowship. I know that there will be growing pains and pruning pains, but it will all be for His glory.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I would love to see fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ as in the early church. Sharing meals and the Lord’s Supper, meeting daily to pray, discuss scripture, and proclaim the glory of Christ’s name.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ask for your prayers & support in this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-15530570773050715762010-11-11T08:35:00.001-08:002010-11-11T08:35:11.991-08:00Finding the path<div class="MsoNormal">God works in me, not because of be but despite me. I have fought Him every step of the way, but He has not given up on me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He saved me when I could not save myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He has taken allowed me to lay down my life, taken away my fear of death.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He provided me with a connection to the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/loveandjusticechurch.org">church</a>, who teaches His word & can disciple me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He has provided me with a compassionate servant’s heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal">When He said “Go” I could not bring myself to ask “Where?” but He has provided me with <a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=august-2011">a path & place to go</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal">11 months in 11 countries, all over the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Ukraine, Moldova, & Romania</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am praying I will make it through the application process, if this is where He wants me to go.</div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-70203634881913127392010-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:002010-11-08T11:05:13.072-08:00Provided with a servant's heart<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I picked up this book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Right Guy for the Right Girl</i> which has reminded me that singleness is a state that is envied. I sometimes get distracted by wanting to get married & have kids. I need to make the most of the gift God has given me now, the gift of being single. I can go anywhere and do just about anything and would only have to care for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have a want to do ministry or go do missions somewhere. I just feeling so lost as to what exactly I can do and how I can serve. I know one way to worship is to give and part of that is giving money. I just don’t want to be limited to </span><i>just </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">giving money. </span>David Platt wrote, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Radical</i>, the words of a friend in Sudan who said “A real brother comes to you in your time of need.” I want to give my time. I want to give everything I can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know that part of this is finding a church that can be my family of faith and I am so very overjoyed that I have found a <a href="http://www.loveandjusticechurch.org/">church</a>. They are such a blessing and I praise God that He has brought me to them. God is working in this church.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span></sup></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”</span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+14&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 14:25</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know that I have been out of church for a long time, and I do need to be taught how to be a true disciple of Christ. And sometimes I feel like Simon Peter, I want to pick up the sword and start swinging, but I know that’s not the way. I just hope I don’t cut off too many ears on my way to being the man God has planned for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is doing great things. I just want to be part of them; as a servant.</span></div>awddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576365770383570611.post-11144452021916541452010-11-07T01:45:00.000-07:002010-11-07T01:45:17.881-08:00a prayerEvery day I want to me more and more like You.<br />
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Every day I want to show Your love to others.<br />
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Everything I do I want to it to bring glory & honor to Your name.<br />
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Give me a servant's heart.<br />
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Let me rejoice with You.<br />
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Let me be heart broken for the sick, oppressed, hungry, homeless, & widowed.<br />
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Help me be humble.<br />
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Show me what it is to be "little Christ".<br />
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amenawddsmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320574420343353695noreply@blogger.com0