Fearless!

Such a beautiful day today in East Lansing! Of course, everyday is sunny regardless of the clouds; nothing can keep the Son from shining! I've just completed the second of my three exams for this week, and I'm not exhausted yet...however I'd like to share just a little insight, perhaps this post will be short and sweet :)

Don't know about you, but when things get between me and accomplishing a particular task or goal, I get kind of upset. Some things not only cause hindrances, but threats as well. The threat of losing one's driver's license not only takes away their right to enjoy their vehicle, but also keeps them from (legally) driving to work! Is that something to be afraid of? Maybe, not getting to work and making a living to keep the lights on...but still, is that a sufficient cause to fear?

One of my favorite ministers to listen to, Pastor Joel Urshan, articulated very well that "most of us aren't afraid of our 'fears,' we're just afraid of losing control." We just don't know what we would do if placed in certain situations, so we call ourselves "afraid" of them. However, if placed in a distressful situation, such as fighting a dog off of our child (and we're "afraid" of dogs), then that fear ceases. This is because perfect love casteth out fear...there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18). Now we see how God died for us on the cross- He wasn't afraid to save His people! When we allow fear to enter into our spirit, we invite torment, torture, injury, oppression, pain and disappointment right along with it.

We have no reason to fear anything/anyone outside of the ruler of the universe- God Himself! Because He GAVE his only begotten Son, He GAVE us his love...we cannot allow fear to keep us from giving our love! If we say we love God, then we cannot be afraid to die to our flesh, our desires, our pride, our sin- our fears- and to give ourselves to HIM!!!!!! MYYYYY GOD...Once you find out the enemy's tactics, he can't use them to deceive you anymore!

Simply put, I encourage you to yield yourself to the awesome power of God by giving, showing and living your love to Him. Wait on the Lord, through all your trials and temptations, all while yielding to Him, and he will perfect His love in you!!! (James 1:4). Jesus loves us too much for you to fear anything or anyone in this world- and He didn't let anything get between Him and proving it to us.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:20

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

Tell me what YOU see

The entire world around us is filled with plenty of things, places and people to see. It's because of our physical surroundings that we do many of the things we do; the rural man plants his crops in good soil, the hunting man goes out to catch his dinner in the forest, the scholar goes to college and pursues his degrees, etc. Because we see so many opportunities in the world to progress our lives towards higher levels of comfort, we take full advantage of them. I wouldn't be a student if I found a better opportunity to get ahead in my life. However, the realm of visibility only goes as far as we can physically view it, and in the end there's always something to try to get a better look at.

As we pursue ambitions, hopes, dreams and goals, I wonder sometimes, "why?" The answer is, there's all sorts of desires that we have to quench (thirsts). No matter what, we will find some thing to satisfy them, and it doesn't even have to be an enjoyment of ours. Over time, though, we begin to enjoy those things. Once, I would just "pass the time" by playing Fifa Soccer (never so much as watched a soccer match prior). Eventually, the game became more than a pastime, but a regular hobby. Finally, I couldn't wait to play the game once I got home from work. This simple example goes to show that given proper circumstances, we can and will give in to whatever it is we find to satisfy our desires. 

My desire to pass the time slowly but surely evolved into a hope for playing Fifa Soccer once I got home from work. Of course me playing was dependent upon whether or not my roommates were playing, but I looked forward to playing regardless. We are hope creatures, or creatures of hope. Once we come into certain experiences, though, hope evolves into expectation. After getting a call back from a job I applied for, I hoped to get a second interview. Once on the job, though, I expected to get paid. And all of this came from me pursuing the job opportunity, which I saw in the "Now Hiring" sign in the company window.

People, we must turn our hope to God! I'm sure I'm not the only one who has desired, hoped and even expected plenty of things to come my way during life, only to have been disappointed. It's very displeasing to the soul. That's just the way this life is; the world is designed by God for us to run out of worldly pleasures, only for us to run into His salvation to escape the dissatisfaction that the world gives. What can a man give in exchange for his soul? NOTHING! That's why our Lord poses the rhetorical question, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). The point our Lord makes, is that we can search throughout the entire earth, and find nothing to fill the voids of our desires, outside of salvation in Him. 

I encourage you to take a deeper, introspective observation of yourself, and to note what it really is that you are living this life for. What is it that you are giving time, energy and soul to? Is it just to pay bills, to please some significant other, or to be accepted in society? Or, are you just simply "passing the time"? Please don't let Jesus pass you by!!!! He is here, and He wants to be inside of you, filling any and all holes that may have you waiting for hope deferred! Plainly, once you are born again, the things of this life will  be brought into their proper perspective and pass away before your eyes- and your hope will be in the unchangeable, eternal, awe-striking and great God of all creation! Trust Him, He will not leave you hanging!

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for (it)? Romans 8:24

Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? Saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? Saith the LORD. Jeremiah 23:23

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

No other way

So, it's been a while. 16 weeks, about 10,000 miles, at least 50 cups of coffee, and about 10 haircuts. Nevertheless God has been good! I apologize for leaving the blog hanging, but honestly I got to the point where writing felt like some sort of responsibility. However, I got a couple of comments and, they were accepting! All I can say is glory to God, who is my inspiration and confidence to do everything possible to move forward!

So, it's in the heat of the summer and I'm knee deep into the task at hand: graduating. East Lansing isn't as populated as usual but I feel like I'm passing up midterm week already! But that's all good, because I know there's a goal worth approaching and unless I put in some work, it won't be accomplished. The only way to walk across that stage and to get that piece of paper is to follow the instruction! Just like putting together a lampstand, desk or a chair, this college thing has its instruction manual: Go to class, and study!! There's no getting around certain things, when you want to gain a valuable experience and retain it all. Isn't that like our God. There is no possibility of getting around His order, statutes, commandments, and laws, while pleasing Him!

Every single individual ought to have the goal of obtaining eternal life. However, without the proper instruction and guidance into this goal it will never be comprehended. Unless the believer places his faith in Christ (the way, the truth and the life), all attempts to obtain any level of success amount to no value, because there's no glory for God! Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, who is eternal life. Please don't place your confidence in things. Things, people, places, worldly accomplishments, etc., will all cease and have no lasting value. But if and only if we can believe God for His Word, we will possess ultimate joy!!

After traveling the world, I can honestly identify with the fact that there's NOTHING on this earth worth living for without the fellowship of Jesus. He is all in all! Taste and see that God is good for yourself, and trust me, you will not be dissatisfied. There is no other way, anyway!

Best,

Nick

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6


Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Psalm 73:25

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
St. John 3:5

Listen!!

Longsuffering

Well, after a long, frigid and rough winter, Spring has sprung. Personally, I have long awaited for this new season to arrive. Although I'm a native Michigander, seeing the green grass, blossoming trees and feeling the warm sun always gives a refreshing sense after enduring a few feet of snow. Technically, the first day of Spring was this past Sunday, March 20. Right now, it's only about 37° outside, with freezing rain! Looks like we'll have to put up with a bit more of this Midwest temperate climate for a moment.

There's nothing wrong with anticipation. Many times, we find ourselves waiting and expecting in several situations. Sometimes, the longer we have to wait, the anticipation becomes heavier and anxiety becomes a factor into our waiting... which may cause detriment. Waiting for a significant other (and/or spouse), the call back for a job, or even a meal in the drive-through at McDonald's may all very well test our patience. This is nothing wrong; however, our level of expectation to whatever- or whomever- it is we're waiting on will certainly affect our commitment to wait. 

Even when dealing with individuals, patience is necessary. There are some folk who are just plain difficult to agree with (some aren't agreeable at all). Be that as it may, they still deserve love. As much as God has loved me through many situations, I cannot afford to resist to show it to others. Waiting on people to change, though, is not wise. Only the Lord can change a person; but your love for that person may be just what they need to change over time. If you're stuck on a job or in class with someone who you can't avoid, love them through the experience. 

In whatever season you may be in, expect the Lord to meet all of your needs! No matter what you're waiting on, He is the perfect Father and will not leave you hanging. Whatever He says you can have, commit to His will and it is yours. His children need not to worry about who in the world approves of them, who will comfort them, or having an abundance of things to validate them. The Lord will do all of the above for all who wait on Him! Obedience to His Word brings peace, joy, comfort and expectation which far exceeds anything the world can offer. I love you!

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation... 2 Peter 3:15

...walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in love; Ephesians 4:1-3

Limitless

Where are your limits? What are limits? How do we determine them? Why are they necessary? With whom do we arrange them?

All of the above are proper to question, particularly in the daily discourse of life. Rationally speaking, there's a capacity to every finite being; humans. Psychological, cognitive and even social capacities are all variably addressed within the conscience, thus affecting the mental disposition of an individual. What does all this mean? Let's follow this perspective of "limits."

Sometimes, there's a point I reach where I've had enough. Such as today, I've only gone to one out of three classes, and I'm probably not going to make my last one. However, that's only because I have limited myself. There have been times where I did not miss one single session for a class, for an entire semester; and the other classes I missed were by necessity. Is a level of commitment reflected in one's limits, or decisions within those limits? I can't say, right now. Give me a moment, and I'll answer. 

What I do know is that there are limitless potentials, given our level of commitment. The grace, mercies, favor, love and joy of our God have no limits! And that DOES reflect His level of commitment to us! No matter where or who you are, Jesus came to save us. No matter how long you've been saved or wandering in the world, Jesus is committed to saving you. I speak from experience. Although I was not committed yesterday, today the Lord has given me plenty of reasons to trust in Him, and to unlimit our relationship. The decisions we make within the limits (or lack thereof) of our salvation either propel or hinder us. 

Have you ever been in a relationship where your significant other constantly took you back, or you took them back, after being unfaithful- OVER and OVER again? I have. Jesus is the lover of our souls, and there's nothing too big that we can conjure up to separate us from His love. All we have to do is welcome His infinite presence into our confined spaces, and give and receive more. The Lord loves you.

But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. Psalm 78:38-39

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Psalm 86:5-7

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Newness

So, I'm at work again. Like anything's changed. There's always something, some work, to be done. But, I won't complain. Half of the day I spent doing much of nothing. Anyway, I don't have anything specific to write about. It will be nice to fit something with the preconceived title.

Thank God for newness. The same old, traditional, tried on and used to things are too heavy to carry in any walk. To keep moving forward, there must be new places, faces and happenings to be seen. Although some things aren't new to everyone, don't let that hinder you from getting yours! Nothing's new to God anyway. However, He's in the business of making newness happen on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, there are too many shiftless and stubborn people in this world. Not that I'm justified for lazying around today, but there are careers made of doing nothing. Some folk just work at underachieving. We'll find that this is absolutely contrary to the will of God. Just as He works, we must work. Labor may not be the most rewarding thing at times, but it can be enjoyable and sustainable, to an extent. I'm definitely digressing, but dig with me. What is the end of our labor? Whatever it is that we work for, what is the end of it? Food on the table, coats on our kids in the cold, the new Jordans; a promotion, happiness, attention from the opposite sex, or praise of our peers? What, if at all, drives man to do the things he does?

Indeed, there's some sort of expectation or desired result of everything we do. Through experience I've learned (still learning) that it's best to evaluate every intention for each decision that I make. Even the best intentions, though, may have detrimental effects to follow. That's why they must be made with the leadership of Jesus! He knows (is) the best for us, and it's all because of Him that we're working in the first place. Acceptance in Him is not always the most labor-intensive job, but it requires a whole-hearted, committed and enthusiastic lifelong effort.

So, when we recognize the intentions of our actions, or their desired outcomes, perhaps there will be more work to be done. Every new day presents new tasks, obstacles and opportunities. Let us not labor with the same attitude of yesterday, which will lead to indifference towards the mission. The mission from Heaven requires diligence to enter into the never-ending presence of joy with Jesus, which is the ultimate and most-satisfying reward! Be refreshed, renewed and restored in your God-given tasks.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6


I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in van in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58


Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Now listening to

Vomit on the elevator

It's been a minute! Unfortunately, I'm at work, and some kid just puked their guts on the elevator. Sheltered college kids just want to party. It shouldn't be at the cost of others' convenience, though. Some things just don't belong in certain places! Like, a shoe in the toilet; an orange in your gas tank; or even bike in a tree. Vomit, however, belongs in the toilet, even at 1:30 a.m. on a Saturday night- not on residential elevator.

Now I do empathize for the drunk. They just had to get it out of them! This lesson taught me to just not drink alcohol, on several occasions. Sometimes we need others to help clean up our mess, because of our weaknesses. I did vomit all over the back seat of a friend's car once. He insistently commanded me to clean it up, which I obviously did with shame towards my frailty, humbled. At least he was kind enough to get me home that night! Thankfully, there's always someone available to help us, even to clean us when those weaknesses and hindrances mess us all up!

Our God is so wonderful! The thing is, NOBODY can approach Him like He's a regular somebody, which many of us have been guilty of. Moses learned this firsthand, Draw not hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Moses had been trekking many a places, and after travelling for so long he accumulated a lot of dust on his sandals. The Lord wanted Moses, not all of the weight he was carrying. Mmmm! Jesus would have us to be holy, even as He is holy. How much stuff are we carrying along and holding on to? Certainly they weaken and hinder us from the joy of the Lord. That's why we must be purged and cleansed from it all! WOW! Throw it up, no matter where you are!

Whatever it is, like alcohol sin doesn't belong in the life of the believer! Get it out, let the Lord clean you up and leave it alone. I know the Lord has purged me of several things, and I'm sure I'll need His help for the rest of my life! His power DOES belong in the life of the believer.
(I've been ministering to myself the entire duration of writing this post!)

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:6

Help me to love!

Listen up!

It feels good to be alive in 2011! Church was "bangin'" today. It felt like I hadn't been in a month! That's how you know you're ready for a refreshing. I've settled back into East Lansing, and am thankful (even after MSU got their tail smashed yesterday). Go Green anyway.

Have you ever just wanted to hear a special someone say just one word, as if everything else unrelated was nonexistent at the moment? So,  in fact, that you're drawn to anxiousness just waiting to hear it? I remember my mom would drag conversations in totally other directions while I would wait for an answer, for permission to go out on the weekend or to drive somewhere. I'd ask her, and she ask me about gas, then begin to talk about gas prices and how they're only going up. Somewhere in between she would ask me if I took the garbage out, or how much homework I had. All of which, she had good reason to comment on and question. All I wanted was a simple "Yes"! One word. Just so I could go enjoy myself!

Although leisurely enjoyment is important to the human spirit, there are similar situations where a reply, answer or resolve with only one word may offer release, liberty, peace, etcetera. Sometimes not so much (disappointment, anxiety). However, how wonderful are those moments when we receive just what we need, what we've longed and hoped for! It's amazing what only ONE word can do- miracles. A simple "I love you" can open up doors of insecurity and dissatisfaction. A lot of times we try to get out every word possible. Many times, less is truly more.

May this post find you in good spirit, I pray that it will bless you! Whatever your needs are, the Lord can give you His Word to trust on. Watch it come to life in you! Whether you need peace, healing, finances, love, joy, or whatever, He will be it! All He has to do is utter one Word, and He doesn't have to talk your ear off =)

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:19
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great treasure.
Psalms 119:162

This song has been ministering to me since 7:00 AM this morning!