I've decide today that I will shut down my blog for good. I took the summer off from it and somethings were revealed to me. For one thing my relationship with God only grew deeper. I was using my blog as the one to pour out my soul to instead of God. That should never be. The thoughts I would post should have gone to God first. I also realized that I seek the approval of others to prove myself and to be satisfied when it is God who should satisfy me.
I spent this morning reading through some past blogs and many brought me to tears I will confess because God has done so much and yet the simple lessons I was learning at the beginning of my walk I am still learning. Funny how that happens. I also recognized that my words were a source of encouragement and/or challenge to you. Recognize that it is our responsibility to exhort our brothers and sisters I will continue to offer myself in time and word to you. But praise God that many of you see me in physical form and may our meetings only become more enriched as we learn to minister to each other.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands. - Psalm 90:17
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Fear
There is something about phones that gives me the willies and makes my heart jump a couple beats. Too many bad things have followed a phone call, too many bad memories. Sometimes I’m scared to pick up or even listen to the voice mail because the unknown frightens me to the bone. Shakes and quicken breaths follow and in a dark corner I pray to my God that nothing bad would be on the other end.
A message of a lost loved one, a message of hate and messages of heart ache…confusions and lies…life changes and announcement of things I wish not to hear…suicide attempts and lost ones near…stern voices and shaken lives…act quickly or freeze in panic…erase or face…words I wish not to hear and I wish to never utter…messages that make my heart curdle…midnight or midday and fear comes when ever I hear that ring and see a name…ring!
So what is fear? “A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger” Answers.com would say. Could it be the absence of trust when the unknown is near? Eddie asked and here is my response. When I hear the word fear two scenarios roll through my head. The first is all the times when I pushed God aside and let myself try to take the wheel and sure enough I crash and that is when finally the second scenario occurs as I watch God direct me down a path of good and peace as I’m faced with the fear of God and knowing that I should always choose the path that God directs because He is faithful and knows what is best.
It is in that dark corner I spoke of before and it is on my knees in tears that I have trembled because of the fear of God. No matter what scenario is set before, the anxious feeling in my stomach comes when I fear the phone call and the unknown that follows but it is when my soul trembles as I watch how this mighty King that I can call Father wraps his gracious arms around me and lifts me out of the pit I have dug for the millionth time and shows me that there is far more good things that follow when I trust God and when I make a call to Him no matter how corny that might sound.
This past month I have learned to walk and talk with my God. The most basic of “Christian” things to do but some how the hardest to achieve at. We mask and pretend but the reality is that there is more that awaits us especially if we choose to communion with God. I’m not claiming to be the best but I can’t deny the change that has already occurred. To him I often cry and ask first because I have been relocated from my support barriers in the past. That is Summitview and the rock, my team, accountability partners and close friends. I’m left to discover and build upon a sturdier source, my King and my Father. That is why I’m here to declare to those who check my blog that for the rest of the summer I will not be writing for even as I write this I see it as yet another place in which I pour out instead of pouring out to God…So farewell for the summer.
A message of a lost loved one, a message of hate and messages of heart ache…confusions and lies…life changes and announcement of things I wish not to hear…suicide attempts and lost ones near…stern voices and shaken lives…act quickly or freeze in panic…erase or face…words I wish not to hear and I wish to never utter…messages that make my heart curdle…midnight or midday and fear comes when ever I hear that ring and see a name…ring!
So what is fear? “A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger” Answers.com would say. Could it be the absence of trust when the unknown is near? Eddie asked and here is my response. When I hear the word fear two scenarios roll through my head. The first is all the times when I pushed God aside and let myself try to take the wheel and sure enough I crash and that is when finally the second scenario occurs as I watch God direct me down a path of good and peace as I’m faced with the fear of God and knowing that I should always choose the path that God directs because He is faithful and knows what is best.
It is in that dark corner I spoke of before and it is on my knees in tears that I have trembled because of the fear of God. No matter what scenario is set before, the anxious feeling in my stomach comes when I fear the phone call and the unknown that follows but it is when my soul trembles as I watch how this mighty King that I can call Father wraps his gracious arms around me and lifts me out of the pit I have dug for the millionth time and shows me that there is far more good things that follow when I trust God and when I make a call to Him no matter how corny that might sound.
This past month I have learned to walk and talk with my God. The most basic of “Christian” things to do but some how the hardest to achieve at. We mask and pretend but the reality is that there is more that awaits us especially if we choose to communion with God. I’m not claiming to be the best but I can’t deny the change that has already occurred. To him I often cry and ask first because I have been relocated from my support barriers in the past. That is Summitview and the rock, my team, accountability partners and close friends. I’m left to discover and build upon a sturdier source, my King and my Father. That is why I’m here to declare to those who check my blog that for the rest of the summer I will not be writing for even as I write this I see it as yet another place in which I pour out instead of pouring out to God…So farewell for the summer.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Amsterdam 2007
I have returned from my crazy mission trip in Amsterdam. It was an encouragement for Zolder 50 and for the team. I learned and was challenged in many areas. It is amazing the work God is doing and will do with His people all over the world. Here is a summary of my experiences.
“And you, son of man, neither fear them nor their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.” – Ezekiel 2:6,7
General observations include an apparent culture difference as I found myself missing free water, free restrooms and larger portions. At the same time I loved the use of bikes to travel throughout the city instead of cars and the many nationalities we encountered 143 to be precise. People were courteous and loved to chat. We rode on trams a good majority of our time and walked every where else and I had to use my map many times over. We stayed at the city shelter on bunks, using lockers to hold our stuff, sleeping with ear plugs and breakfast was usually four pieces of bread with ham/cheese/butter/jam (just a little odd!). We ate out or on the go the whole time and so I ended up trying some interesting foods! Stoopwafels are good, but drop (salty black licorice) is gross, fries with mayo are good and free tea is always nice.
On a heavier note, Amsterdam is indeed a dark place, spiritually. Most people I talked to didn’t believe in God and when asked what the purpose of life was, they would answer to be a good person and live at peace with others. Most didn’t even consider what would happen when they died and didn’t even care, it was just another surprise. The red light district, the soft porn, drugs and alcohol everywhere have just become part of life as sin holds many in bondage.
For being a church in the heart of this dark place and going through struggles with leadership and building issues, Zolder50 still holds so much faith. They welcomed us into their church and poured out their hearts to us as we became one with them. Their faith was a highlight for me as I didn’t expect to work so closely with them. With them we participated in their home groups (small groups) one of which was an all Dutch group that spoke Dutch the whole time. We baby-sat for several families and we participated in a three day serve the city event and festival for the city doing everything from painting, gardening, playing with kids, and handing out flowers.
With the rest of our time we went out sharing and conducting surveys about spiritual beliefs. One of my prayers before going to Amsterdam was to have one good conversation because it is a weakness of mine and I was discouraged because we had little time to go out sharing until the last week when God gave me this verse, “for ‘whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’” – Romans 10:13-15 Later that day a team member and I met these two women who we talked to for almost two hours about spiritual beliefs and rarely drifted from the topic, encouraging because most people want to talk about everything but what they believe.
The second week we put on a three day seminar on world beliefs and each night had greater attendance and led to good conversations and connections/ relationships for Zolder50. As a group we united to pray for somebody to either get saved or to get connected to Zolder50 and stick with them. We didn’t see how God answered this prayer but lives were defiantly changed by us being there. We didn’t see the fruit but prayfully Zolder50 will reap from our sowing. “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” – John 4:36 So rejoice for what God has done.
We also had the blessing to work with and encourage a ministry that has parked itself in the heart of the red light district, called the Cleft. They have set their heart and energy on witnessing to not only prostitutes and the men that are in bondage to this sexually sin but also to drug addicts, alcoholics, homeless and many others who find themselves trapped in their sin in this area of Amsterdam. We joined them on bridges over the canals of this district. Every week they go out and worship, read passages from scripture, pray and have conversations with whoever wants to talk. It was an amazing experience to read through Romans out loud as there was worship filling the air and as others were sharing the gospel in conversation. Pray for this ministry and that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide them.
The highlight of the trip for me was a prayer meeting that I participated in during the last night of the seminars. It was the most Spirit led prayer meeting I have ever been in. It really connected me to the power of God, the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer. As a united front the body can be used by God and even in the unity itself see the glory of God. From this trip I was challenged mostly in unity, faith and my intimate walk with God; I wish to take these lessons on into this summer and the fall.
The future has me leaving for Iowa City on the 29th for a summer infusion, where we will be working with our church Mars Hill to start a college ministry. Then in the fall I return back to CSU for another year of school and ministry. Please pray for:
- Salvations in Iowa (commitment to a college ministry)
- Unity as a team and with the church
- Spiritual growth for every team member
- Jobs
“And you, son of man, neither fear them nor their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.” – Ezekiel 2:6,7
General observations include an apparent culture difference as I found myself missing free water, free restrooms and larger portions. At the same time I loved the use of bikes to travel throughout the city instead of cars and the many nationalities we encountered 143 to be precise. People were courteous and loved to chat. We rode on trams a good majority of our time and walked every where else and I had to use my map many times over. We stayed at the city shelter on bunks, using lockers to hold our stuff, sleeping with ear plugs and breakfast was usually four pieces of bread with ham/cheese/butter/jam (just a little odd!). We ate out or on the go the whole time and so I ended up trying some interesting foods! Stoopwafels are good, but drop (salty black licorice) is gross, fries with mayo are good and free tea is always nice.
On a heavier note, Amsterdam is indeed a dark place, spiritually. Most people I talked to didn’t believe in God and when asked what the purpose of life was, they would answer to be a good person and live at peace with others. Most didn’t even consider what would happen when they died and didn’t even care, it was just another surprise. The red light district, the soft porn, drugs and alcohol everywhere have just become part of life as sin holds many in bondage.
For being a church in the heart of this dark place and going through struggles with leadership and building issues, Zolder50 still holds so much faith. They welcomed us into their church and poured out their hearts to us as we became one with them. Their faith was a highlight for me as I didn’t expect to work so closely with them. With them we participated in their home groups (small groups) one of which was an all Dutch group that spoke Dutch the whole time. We baby-sat for several families and we participated in a three day serve the city event and festival for the city doing everything from painting, gardening, playing with kids, and handing out flowers.
With the rest of our time we went out sharing and conducting surveys about spiritual beliefs. One of my prayers before going to Amsterdam was to have one good conversation because it is a weakness of mine and I was discouraged because we had little time to go out sharing until the last week when God gave me this verse, “for ‘whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’” – Romans 10:13-15 Later that day a team member and I met these two women who we talked to for almost two hours about spiritual beliefs and rarely drifted from the topic, encouraging because most people want to talk about everything but what they believe.
The second week we put on a three day seminar on world beliefs and each night had greater attendance and led to good conversations and connections/ relationships for Zolder50. As a group we united to pray for somebody to either get saved or to get connected to Zolder50 and stick with them. We didn’t see how God answered this prayer but lives were defiantly changed by us being there. We didn’t see the fruit but prayfully Zolder50 will reap from our sowing. “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” – John 4:36 So rejoice for what God has done.
We also had the blessing to work with and encourage a ministry that has parked itself in the heart of the red light district, called the Cleft. They have set their heart and energy on witnessing to not only prostitutes and the men that are in bondage to this sexually sin but also to drug addicts, alcoholics, homeless and many others who find themselves trapped in their sin in this area of Amsterdam. We joined them on bridges over the canals of this district. Every week they go out and worship, read passages from scripture, pray and have conversations with whoever wants to talk. It was an amazing experience to read through Romans out loud as there was worship filling the air and as others were sharing the gospel in conversation. Pray for this ministry and that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide them.
The highlight of the trip for me was a prayer meeting that I participated in during the last night of the seminars. It was the most Spirit led prayer meeting I have ever been in. It really connected me to the power of God, the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer. As a united front the body can be used by God and even in the unity itself see the glory of God. From this trip I was challenged mostly in unity, faith and my intimate walk with God; I wish to take these lessons on into this summer and the fall.
The future has me leaving for Iowa City on the 29th for a summer infusion, where we will be working with our church Mars Hill to start a college ministry. Then in the fall I return back to CSU for another year of school and ministry. Please pray for:
- Salvations in Iowa (commitment to a college ministry)
- Unity as a team and with the church
- Spiritual growth for every team member
- Jobs
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Mighty indeed is the Cross
It has been some time since my last post not because of neglect but because I didn't know how to word my life and all that has been developing with my walk with God. I didn't want pity and I didn't want honor from anything that I would post. When God works in our life it is for his glory, and He is indeed working in our lives every second, every breath, every step. What ever seconds might pass (heavy or light), whatever breath might be inhaled (quickened or relaxed), what ever step might be taken (unknown or sure). Praise goes to the One who is worthy, Him only.
This month has been full of ups and downs. Through them all given time I have begun to see the good in them all. The good in the sunny days and the good in the rainy days. The key is not to look at the circumstances but to look at the cross and see that all peace and joy comes from the death of the precious lamb. This month I have tried to carry burdens that are too heavy for me to carry, I have tried to heal my own broken heart and I have turned my eyes from the Lord. But the beauty of Grace is that it is unmerited favor having nothing to do with my works good or bad.
When I was revealed to this truth peace and joy flooded just like we are promised, for grace was abundant. A story of peace began a month ago when I realized that a class I needed to take in the fall is only offered in the Spring. I've been meeting with the professor of that class to possibly arrange an independent study and I have taken many trips to the education building to find alternatives to remedy this kind of critical problem. Last night I received an email from this professor and was faced with the reality that I would have to wait until spring to take this class meaning that I won't graduate for another semester. Peace flooded me and instantly I found myself searching for classes to take in the fall, joy showed itself in me through smiles and happiness. Once again I was reminded of the beauty of walking in God's Will and what it is like to trust the cross and see God's faithfulness.
I don't understand all that has happened and I don't know all that is to come but if faith is taking a step when you don't see the whole staircase and faith is letting go of control of my life and handing it over to God then I still have much faith to be tested. As do we all. But remembering cross and all that was accomplished there peace and joy will surely come.
This month has been full of ups and downs. Through them all given time I have begun to see the good in them all. The good in the sunny days and the good in the rainy days. The key is not to look at the circumstances but to look at the cross and see that all peace and joy comes from the death of the precious lamb. This month I have tried to carry burdens that are too heavy for me to carry, I have tried to heal my own broken heart and I have turned my eyes from the Lord. But the beauty of Grace is that it is unmerited favor having nothing to do with my works good or bad.
When I was revealed to this truth peace and joy flooded just like we are promised, for grace was abundant. A story of peace began a month ago when I realized that a class I needed to take in the fall is only offered in the Spring. I've been meeting with the professor of that class to possibly arrange an independent study and I have taken many trips to the education building to find alternatives to remedy this kind of critical problem. Last night I received an email from this professor and was faced with the reality that I would have to wait until spring to take this class meaning that I won't graduate for another semester. Peace flooded me and instantly I found myself searching for classes to take in the fall, joy showed itself in me through smiles and happiness. Once again I was reminded of the beauty of walking in God's Will and what it is like to trust the cross and see God's faithfulness.
I don't understand all that has happened and I don't know all that is to come but if faith is taking a step when you don't see the whole staircase and faith is letting go of control of my life and handing it over to God then I still have much faith to be tested. As do we all. But remembering cross and all that was accomplished there peace and joy will surely come.
Mighty is the Power of the Cross - Chris Tomlin
Verse:
What can take a dying man
And raise him up to life again?
What can heal the wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness? Brokenness?
Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of the cross.
Verse 2:
What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones?
What can save and overcome? Overcome?
*Repeat Chorus*
Bridge:
It's a miracle to me
It's a miracle to me
It's still a mystery
And it's still a mystery
It's a miracle to me
The power of God
Those who believe
Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Oh and mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of the cross.
Ending:
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the cross.
I love the cross.
I love the cross.
It's a powerful cross.
What can take a dying man (thank You Jesus)
And raise him up to life again? (thank You Jesus)
Worship You Jesus (wonderful cross)
By Your wounds we are healed
By Your wounds we are saved
Mighty is the power of the cross (echo)
Mighty is the power of the cross (echo)
Thank You Jesus
For the Holy cross
Oh
Verse:
What can take a dying man
And raise him up to life again?
What can heal the wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness? Brokenness?
Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of the cross.
Verse 2:
What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones?
What can save and overcome? Overcome?
*Repeat Chorus*
Bridge:
It's a miracle to me
It's a miracle to me
It's still a mystery
And it's still a mystery
It's a miracle to me
The power of God
Those who believe
Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Oh and mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of the cross.
Ending:
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the cross.
I love the cross.
I love the cross.
It's a powerful cross.
What can take a dying man (thank You Jesus)
And raise him up to life again? (thank You Jesus)
Worship You Jesus (wonderful cross)
By Your wounds we are healed
By Your wounds we are saved
Mighty is the power of the cross (echo)
Mighty is the power of the cross (echo)
Thank You Jesus
For the Holy cross
Oh
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Looking in the mirror...
Many times I have stood from my "Righteous" Spot and looked down upon you. I have shaken my head and pretended to cry, pretended to have cared that you were trapped in your sin and without grace you would go to Hell. I looked upon drunkards and idolatrers and every other sinner of the sort. I looked at your evil heart that chose money over the infinte love of God, I looked at your selfishness and wished you lost everything in order to see that all blessings come from God, I laughed at your foolish atempts to work your way to heaven through service and devotion to religious activities, I rebuked you because of your foul language and your lies and your rudness, I threw up because of your hipocrisy and your false witnessing, I disconnected myself from you and your kind, I distanced myself from your unclean hands, I casted you into Hell and I never prayed for you to see the light because I thought there was no hope for such a wretch as you, I let you continue in your sin because to stop you I might have been associated with the corrupt soul that consumes you...from my "righteousness" I only saw the good in me little did I know that if I had only looked in the mirror I would have seen that I was just like you...a sinner
For all have fallen short of the glory of God and There is no one righteous, not even one. This is the truth that we all must face no matter how much we try to cover it with excemptions and dress it in softness...it is the reality of human nature.
But lets not leave it there because with the reality of sin and hell there is the reality of grace and heaven offered through only one, the blemish free son of God, the perfect example of humility and sacrifice...the precious Jesus Christ. Sent by God as a gift of grace as a demonstartion of His infinte love for us. Evidence of His faithful prusuit for our love that we lost during the Fall. He pursues us, now let us not reach the end of our life on earth and miss the opportunity to return to our God with love.
Eternity is for us all, the question is will it be with God or not?
For all have fallen short of the glory of God and There is no one righteous, not even one. This is the truth that we all must face no matter how much we try to cover it with excemptions and dress it in softness...it is the reality of human nature.
But lets not leave it there because with the reality of sin and hell there is the reality of grace and heaven offered through only one, the blemish free son of God, the perfect example of humility and sacrifice...the precious Jesus Christ. Sent by God as a gift of grace as a demonstartion of His infinte love for us. Evidence of His faithful prusuit for our love that we lost during the Fall. He pursues us, now let us not reach the end of our life on earth and miss the opportunity to return to our God with love.
Eternity is for us all, the question is will it be with God or not?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Stand Strong Warrior
We must not lose courage my brothers and sisters there is a battle for souls surrounding us. It may be because I just watched the Lord of the Rings Two Towers and that is why the idea of battle is most prominent in my mind. Yet at the same time these last couple days God has been making it apparent to me that he wants us to stand strong in Him and trust. Faith is one of those words that I seem to know the least about but yet everyday is a chance to learn more. Trust Him and when He tests you which He most diffentially will that is when you learn about faith. When you have to choose to stand by your King and fight for what He desires and to hope in what He promises.
"because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:3-4
Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.
Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.
There is something worth fighting for and it is greater than what Frodo and Sam were fighting for. Our hope is in something bigger than a mere good in this world but our hope is in that which is Good, that which is Love, that which is Life and that which is Holy...WE are fighting for our God. That is reason alone to persevere.
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God." - Romans 4:20
This is referring to Abraham and because I can't do it justice you must read Romans 4. Let us hope for things that God has promised but seem so hard to have hope in. Let us respect (from NASB version of Romans 4:20) and stand by God's promises for He will never fail!
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 cor. 4:18
Let's not be presuaded to believe in the seen but lets believe and hold true to the unseen. I'm a walking rememberance of God's faithfulness. Seen as one who would never believe in God or be caught in a church. But here I stand as a testiomony of God's Power, he grabbed my heart and softened it for no work of man could have done what he did in my life. He did this for many others and will do it for many more to come and that is a story to come...
"because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:3-4
Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.
Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.
There is something worth fighting for and it is greater than what Frodo and Sam were fighting for. Our hope is in something bigger than a mere good in this world but our hope is in that which is Good, that which is Love, that which is Life and that which is Holy...WE are fighting for our God. That is reason alone to persevere.
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God." - Romans 4:20
This is referring to Abraham and because I can't do it justice you must read Romans 4. Let us hope for things that God has promised but seem so hard to have hope in. Let us respect (from NASB version of Romans 4:20) and stand by God's promises for He will never fail!
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 cor. 4:18
Let's not be presuaded to believe in the seen but lets believe and hold true to the unseen. I'm a walking rememberance of God's faithfulness. Seen as one who would never believe in God or be caught in a church. But here I stand as a testiomony of God's Power, he grabbed my heart and softened it for no work of man could have done what he did in my life. He did this for many others and will do it for many more to come and that is a story to come...
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