Jesus did.  While we were sinners, Christ died for us all.


John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."


Even though I've only been on one mission trip, I can honestly say that it has changed me.  It has shown me what poverty looks like.  It has shown me the compassion God gave me for these people.  It has taught me that God's purpose for my life has only just begun.  


My first instinct after stepping off that plane onto U.S. soil was 'I have to go back.  These people need me.  I have to give more.'


I've also seen how I live in a very materialistic society.  Most of us in the U.S. have what we need.  And those who don't, usually have a place or a program that can help them.  Most of the people I saw in Peru don't have that.  Yet, when we entered their small village, they treated us like kings.  I was so humbled.  Then I came home and saw all that I've been blessed with and honestly felt embarrassed.


I know I can't save the world.  I'll  leave that in God's hands.  But I can humble myself and sit still and allow God to use me through these mission trips.  And, not only that, I'm asking Him to enable me to be His hands and feet, here at home.  


Most of the people in the U.S. don't need to rely on God for running water, food on the table, etc.  But I guarantee you if some lost all that they had; your home, your job, your family, you would be crying out to God to help you.  Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

I'm thankful for my health, family, Church family, friends, etc. but most of all I'm thankful that God chose me to help in the 'great commission.'  To go into all nations and tell everyone of His amazing love and forgiveness that He gives freely.


No, I can't save the world, but I know who can!

As the Son of God and Savior of the world, only Jesus has cause to exalt Himself.  Yet He humbled Himself.  He took on human flesh and died on a cross to save us all.   We should all have the same attitude of humility.  But wouldn't this be counter-cultural on social media today?  We should be using social media to enhance our witness as followers of Christ.


Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."


In other words, if or when you do post something for the world to see, make sure it's Biblical, like a bible verse or an encouraging word from the Bible.  Or, even yet, something that God did for you today; something you want the world to know about.


That's one of the main reasons I'm writing this blog.  Not to brag on myself, or say 'look at me.'  It's to give my friends out there a bird's eye view of how I'm living my walk with Jesus.  I'm far from perfect, but I'm a work in progress as they say.  God is working on me, and in my life every day.  I hope that my words are a blessing and encouragement to my friends and family.


Use social media wisely today!

Spiritual warfare is real, my friends!  Some days it's subtle, other days it's an all out war.  

But God always prevails, every time.


Just when I was at my lowest point yesterday I received a phone call that could have only been ordained by God.  It had me smiling from ear to ear, knowing that God had orchestrated the entire sequence of events.


1 John 4:4 - "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."


We are in a daily battle in this world we live in.  We may not apparently see it ever day, or we may even forget that it's there, but it's real.  If you're a believer and grounded in God's Word, you won't go long without encountering spiritual warfare.  God reminds us to stay in His Word and stay aware of Satan's schemes.  God knows the lies that Satan puts in our paths each day, but God also equips us with strength, wisdom and discernment through His own Spirit to stay strong in the battle.


The good news is that God never EVER leaves us alone to fight our battles.  He is constantly fighting for us, even when we can't see it.


This life is hard, no one will refute that.  But, God is saying to each one of us, 'I will fight for you, just trust me.'  This trust builds our faith and our trust in God.  It will guard our hearts and focus our minds back to Him.  It wins the battle.


Fight back!  After all, you have the creator of the universe on your side!

We can know God's Word, truly study intently the bible every day.  But does God truly reign in our hearts?


Matthew 24:35 - "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."


God's rein is universal.  It's our job as Christians to tell the news of Him to all peoples.  The reason that the earth has not spun out of control or just exploded is because God is in control.  Psalm 96:10 - "Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns."  The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity."


God's reign means the most basic needs of life, like rain and the sun rising occur for the just and the unjust.  These facts are meant for the good of every single person on earth.


So, by our faith in Jesus, we are united to Jesus in a way that we no longer are seen as peoples to be judged, but we are the sons and daughters who are welcomed home.


So we have hope as Christians, knowing that we are on the side of the Almighty God.  This should encourage and strengthen us when we find ourselves in difficult situations.

Does God reign in your life?

I think we've all have had a point in our Christian walk where we've turned away from God.  I know I have.  Spending most of my 20's and 30's in my own little world, I tried to make my own life.  I tried and tried to get things right, but it was never going to happen without putting God first.


Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."


When problems come (and they will), don't try to fix them on your own.  Let God work in His timing.  Don't fret, if you've strayed away from the path.  All it takes is one step to get back on the right path.  This step is a giant step.  It's called repentance.  If you have walked away from God it should be encouraging to know that God will forgive you, if you repent.  All it takes is one step back towards Him.


When we ask, we receive; when we seek, we find; and when we knock, the door is opened.  This is called pursuit.  Jesus wants us to actively and relentlessly pursue Him, just as He is actively and relentlessly pursuing us.

I admit.  It's hard to be joyful when circumstances and life around you are anything but joyful.  


Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."


As a Christian, I know the Bible requires of me things that I cannot myself immediately produce by my own power.  I am a sinner.  The Bible says it is right to feel joy in God.  It also says that it is wrong to be anxious about the situation.  These emotions that I'm feeling are produced in me from the Holy Spirit.  This concept is hard for non-Christians to  understand, but it is an overflowing in my soul towards God.  This is coming from the work of the Holy Spirit.  I can't make this stuff up. 


The Holy Spirit gives us eyes to see the beauties of Jesus that causes joy to flow from within us.  It's not only in the Bible, through the Holy Spirit that we see Christ, but we can see Him in nature, in people or in every gift that He gives us.


Today, look for the joy in everything you do.  When faced with obstacles, see God working through you to overcome it.  After all, Jesus overcame the world.  What makes you think He can't help you through anything you come up against.