This blog entry is for my WFBC people. I really feel like Paul writing to the Philippians because you can tell he truly loved them.
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Dawg For Life
Wow, it has been too long since my last blog post. I admit that the month of November was really dark for me, and then I found out that I'm moving to Arkansas so I've been focused on that. Through it all my time in the Scriptures and with church friends has suffered, and I don't like it. Since the Spirit led me to write this blog, and I haven't been focusing on spiritual things, this blog has suffered. This blog is ancillary though, and I can definitely feel the lack of Spirit in my life. God has shown me that He isn't done with me yet, however, so the fire's coming back. "Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't." - me.
That being said, wow, it's my last day with UGA Athletics. After 7.5 years, it's all come down to this. I could write a book on my years at UGA, but I'll just hit the highlights of my time in Athletics:
I started as an equipment manager for the Football team in June 2004. I was just a volunteer. I did not get paid a salary. I did not get complementary tickets to the games. I did not get to stand on the sidelines for home games, or travel with the team to away games. There were about 9 paid managers and 3 of us volunteers. As with the natural order of things, we volunteers did most of the grunt work. It was to be expected, and I understood the system. I'd like to say I came in humble, but I kind of threw it in the face of 2 older managers. Needless to say, I suffered their ire. I called them out on a few things, but not with humility, so I blame myself for their responses. I feel that I damaged my relationship with the only other visibly Christian manager, and his ire led to my resentment. We were supposedly on the same team, but I chose pride over advancing the Kingdom with him. Another manager just jacked me up against the wall and almost punched me. I honestly would have deserved it. Aside from the equipment room, in other facets of my job as a manager I was a servant through and through. I volunteered to help the manager that had the most equipment to set up before practice, and take down after practice. Through a misunderstanding with my coach I ended up having to run the steps at Sanford Stadium at 5:45am the Monday after we lost to Auburn in 2004. It was the coldest I'd ever been in my life. I ran 4 stadiums, and was about to begin my 5th, when the trainer told me to go home. If I had gotten hurt, my family could have apparently sued. Managers aren't required to undergo the same punishments that the players are. Still, I went, I ran, and I was cool with the coach immediately after. It kind of cemented my relationship with the players too. What didn't kill me made me stronger. On home game days I would sit up in Section 315 and cheer on the team that I worked for Mondays-Thursdays. It was fun to be a manager and a fan, but I obviously wanted to be a full manager. I wasn't paid, but I was allowed to have clothes for practices, and I did get an Outback Bowl ring for all of my hard work. After football season, I was able to be a regular student fan at other sporting events. I went to Men's and Women's Basketball games as much as I could. I went to Gymnastics and Women's Tennis as well. When Baseball season rolled around, I was at Foley Field. It was great to just be a fan and cheer. I remember MBB only won 2 Basketball games. UGA MBB had undergone some scandals, firings, etc. and we were starting walk-ons in 2004. UGA WBB was good as usual, and we had some quality wins. There were some games where I was the only visible student fan though. The informal atmosphere allowed me to meet different people in athletics, cheerleaders, Dance Dawgs, support staff, et al. I like meeting people. There was one Women's Tennis match against South Carolina where I heckled the USC player so much that she stopped the match to get the umpire to tell me to shut up. Then I proceeded to get cussed out by the girl's mother. The USC girl ended up losing spectacularly, so it was a great day.
In 2005 I began as a full manager. I assumed my role as timekeeper for each practice. I basically used my watch's stopwatch and timed out 5-min periods. I co-ordinated with the head coach as well. Because of my position as timekeeper I was at every practice for 4 seasons. I won't go into detail about practices for compliance reasons. Life as timekeeper was simple. The established routine allowed me to flow subconsciously through it. The thing I enjoyed most was the time it allowed me to spend with coaches' families and guests at practices. I met a lot of famous people. The thing I miss most about my time with UGA Football is not the games, or road trips (though the road trips were awesome) but rather the interactions I had with people. I was pretty much an ambassador. The other managers thought they were giving me the short end of the stick by making me timekeeper, but I loved it thoroughly. They drew their status from the coach they worked with, and the players they served. As timekeeper, I worked with every coach and served every player. In addition to time, I also had the "crash cart" with spare equipment parts, so I handled equipment emergencies. Off the field, I had equal equipment room responsibilities with the other managers. For games, I was in charge of #61-70 (#62 is retired). I was responsible for making sure the players who dressed out of that section had all of the gear they needed. I polished helmets and shined shoes. I put the bones on the back of the helmets as well. Those bones were a pain because they were small and thin, and almost impossible to keep in a straight line. I did the best I could, but I definitely was the worst manager at putting the bones on. My relationships with the other managers improved. I learned my place, and gained more humility. I did my job to the best of my ability, and I like to think I did it well. Those other 11 managers knew me better than anyone else. They saw me at my best and at my worst. They were there in the elation of the 2005 SEC Championship win, and they were there in my agony during the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Managers graduated, managers came in, and altogether I worked with maybe 26 different guys over 5 years, including 3 bosses. Standing here on the last day and looking back, despite my faults I consider all of them friends. I am my own worst critic. I'd have liked for this to have been a detailed memory compilation, but I'll save that for my book. Ultimately, you remember the people more so than the wins and losses. I'm so thankful for every coach I was able to serve. Altogether, I served about 17 coaches in my 5 seasons. Chaplains, trainers, strength assistants, video crew, every one of us worked together for the good of UGA Football. I won't name them, but I remember. My strongest friendships with trainers were in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. I had friends in the video crew that I would hang out with on road trips. The managers tended to keep to themselves on the road, but I branched out as much as possible. With me it's all about the relationships, and I treasure the relationships I built through UGA Football. The managers are my brothers, and we'll always share that bond. If any of them are reading this, and they can't see past that one instance where I was a jerk to them, I truly apologize for it and I wish you well. My term as timekeeper ended with me receiving a standing ovation from the coaches and players. It was the most humbling experience of my life, especially since it came in one of my darkest hours personally. Through it all, it ended well. There were many instances where I didn't honor God as I should have, but He still blessed me, and all glory goes to Him.
After Football ended, I started in the UGA Ticket Office. What can I say that I haven't already said? I love these guys. I will miss them terribly. Wherever I end up, I hope and pray that my co-workers, supervisors, and bosses are as amazing as this team here. They put up with me on my good days and my bad days, and I hope that the good outweighed the bad. I hope that I can make them proud, and use the experience I've gained to help more people. This ticket job has allowed me to gain intimate knowledge of how things operate behind the scenes in an athletics association. It also allowed me to stay involved with athletics for 2 more years. Thankfully my final home football game in Sanford Stadium was not the loss to Georgia Tech in 2008, but rather the win against Kentucky in 2011 to clinch the title of SEC East Champion. Through this ticket job I have built lasting relationships with people in all different departments. I have gained exposure to the operations of different departments as well. I have seen how a Division 1 SEC athletics program is operated, and as I move on to Division 2 I look forward to learning even more. I'm not afraid to work for free, I did it in Football and Tickets both. I'm not afraid to get dirty or sweaty. I shed blood, sweat and tears with Football, and I've gotten sweaty in nicer work clothes through Tickets. I've had experience dealing with all types of people from administrators, to coaches, to players and colleagues to custodial staff, et al. All work together for the same goal, and that is the advancement of UGA Athletics. We are all on the same team. I am the least of these, my brethren. Words cannot express my thanks, my gratitude, and my love for all things Red and Black.
Through it all, my allegiance is cemented in Christ. He sought me when I ran from Him in 2006, and He set my feet back on His foundation. He destroyed me in 2008, and built me back stronger than I was. He has humbled me, and will continue to humble me (but not humiliate me) for His Kingdom and His ultimate glory. If He leads me back to the University of Georgia Athletics Association in the future, I will hit the ground running, and hopefully be welcomed back with open arms. If this is my last day with UGA Athletics for the rest of my life, then all glory to God. I know He is here. I know He is working. I am so thankful He allowed me to be a part of it for 7.5 years. This chapter of my life is closing, and it is sad. Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't ;)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
That being said, wow, it's my last day with UGA Athletics. After 7.5 years, it's all come down to this. I could write a book on my years at UGA, but I'll just hit the highlights of my time in Athletics:
I started as an equipment manager for the Football team in June 2004. I was just a volunteer. I did not get paid a salary. I did not get complementary tickets to the games. I did not get to stand on the sidelines for home games, or travel with the team to away games. There were about 9 paid managers and 3 of us volunteers. As with the natural order of things, we volunteers did most of the grunt work. It was to be expected, and I understood the system. I'd like to say I came in humble, but I kind of threw it in the face of 2 older managers. Needless to say, I suffered their ire. I called them out on a few things, but not with humility, so I blame myself for their responses. I feel that I damaged my relationship with the only other visibly Christian manager, and his ire led to my resentment. We were supposedly on the same team, but I chose pride over advancing the Kingdom with him. Another manager just jacked me up against the wall and almost punched me. I honestly would have deserved it. Aside from the equipment room, in other facets of my job as a manager I was a servant through and through. I volunteered to help the manager that had the most equipment to set up before practice, and take down after practice. Through a misunderstanding with my coach I ended up having to run the steps at Sanford Stadium at 5:45am the Monday after we lost to Auburn in 2004. It was the coldest I'd ever been in my life. I ran 4 stadiums, and was about to begin my 5th, when the trainer told me to go home. If I had gotten hurt, my family could have apparently sued. Managers aren't required to undergo the same punishments that the players are. Still, I went, I ran, and I was cool with the coach immediately after. It kind of cemented my relationship with the players too. What didn't kill me made me stronger. On home game days I would sit up in Section 315 and cheer on the team that I worked for Mondays-Thursdays. It was fun to be a manager and a fan, but I obviously wanted to be a full manager. I wasn't paid, but I was allowed to have clothes for practices, and I did get an Outback Bowl ring for all of my hard work. After football season, I was able to be a regular student fan at other sporting events. I went to Men's and Women's Basketball games as much as I could. I went to Gymnastics and Women's Tennis as well. When Baseball season rolled around, I was at Foley Field. It was great to just be a fan and cheer. I remember MBB only won 2 Basketball games. UGA MBB had undergone some scandals, firings, etc. and we were starting walk-ons in 2004. UGA WBB was good as usual, and we had some quality wins. There were some games where I was the only visible student fan though. The informal atmosphere allowed me to meet different people in athletics, cheerleaders, Dance Dawgs, support staff, et al. I like meeting people. There was one Women's Tennis match against South Carolina where I heckled the USC player so much that she stopped the match to get the umpire to tell me to shut up. Then I proceeded to get cussed out by the girl's mother. The USC girl ended up losing spectacularly, so it was a great day.
In 2005 I began as a full manager. I assumed my role as timekeeper for each practice. I basically used my watch's stopwatch and timed out 5-min periods. I co-ordinated with the head coach as well. Because of my position as timekeeper I was at every practice for 4 seasons. I won't go into detail about practices for compliance reasons. Life as timekeeper was simple. The established routine allowed me to flow subconsciously through it. The thing I enjoyed most was the time it allowed me to spend with coaches' families and guests at practices. I met a lot of famous people. The thing I miss most about my time with UGA Football is not the games, or road trips (though the road trips were awesome) but rather the interactions I had with people. I was pretty much an ambassador. The other managers thought they were giving me the short end of the stick by making me timekeeper, but I loved it thoroughly. They drew their status from the coach they worked with, and the players they served. As timekeeper, I worked with every coach and served every player. In addition to time, I also had the "crash cart" with spare equipment parts, so I handled equipment emergencies. Off the field, I had equal equipment room responsibilities with the other managers. For games, I was in charge of #61-70 (#62 is retired). I was responsible for making sure the players who dressed out of that section had all of the gear they needed. I polished helmets and shined shoes. I put the bones on the back of the helmets as well. Those bones were a pain because they were small and thin, and almost impossible to keep in a straight line. I did the best I could, but I definitely was the worst manager at putting the bones on. My relationships with the other managers improved. I learned my place, and gained more humility. I did my job to the best of my ability, and I like to think I did it well. Those other 11 managers knew me better than anyone else. They saw me at my best and at my worst. They were there in the elation of the 2005 SEC Championship win, and they were there in my agony during the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Managers graduated, managers came in, and altogether I worked with maybe 26 different guys over 5 years, including 3 bosses. Standing here on the last day and looking back, despite my faults I consider all of them friends. I am my own worst critic. I'd have liked for this to have been a detailed memory compilation, but I'll save that for my book. Ultimately, you remember the people more so than the wins and losses. I'm so thankful for every coach I was able to serve. Altogether, I served about 17 coaches in my 5 seasons. Chaplains, trainers, strength assistants, video crew, every one of us worked together for the good of UGA Football. I won't name them, but I remember. My strongest friendships with trainers were in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. I had friends in the video crew that I would hang out with on road trips. The managers tended to keep to themselves on the road, but I branched out as much as possible. With me it's all about the relationships, and I treasure the relationships I built through UGA Football. The managers are my brothers, and we'll always share that bond. If any of them are reading this, and they can't see past that one instance where I was a jerk to them, I truly apologize for it and I wish you well. My term as timekeeper ended with me receiving a standing ovation from the coaches and players. It was the most humbling experience of my life, especially since it came in one of my darkest hours personally. Through it all, it ended well. There were many instances where I didn't honor God as I should have, but He still blessed me, and all glory goes to Him.
After Football ended, I started in the UGA Ticket Office. What can I say that I haven't already said? I love these guys. I will miss them terribly. Wherever I end up, I hope and pray that my co-workers, supervisors, and bosses are as amazing as this team here. They put up with me on my good days and my bad days, and I hope that the good outweighed the bad. I hope that I can make them proud, and use the experience I've gained to help more people. This ticket job has allowed me to gain intimate knowledge of how things operate behind the scenes in an athletics association. It also allowed me to stay involved with athletics for 2 more years. Thankfully my final home football game in Sanford Stadium was not the loss to Georgia Tech in 2008, but rather the win against Kentucky in 2011 to clinch the title of SEC East Champion. Through this ticket job I have built lasting relationships with people in all different departments. I have gained exposure to the operations of different departments as well. I have seen how a Division 1 SEC athletics program is operated, and as I move on to Division 2 I look forward to learning even more. I'm not afraid to work for free, I did it in Football and Tickets both. I'm not afraid to get dirty or sweaty. I shed blood, sweat and tears with Football, and I've gotten sweaty in nicer work clothes through Tickets. I've had experience dealing with all types of people from administrators, to coaches, to players and colleagues to custodial staff, et al. All work together for the same goal, and that is the advancement of UGA Athletics. We are all on the same team. I am the least of these, my brethren. Words cannot express my thanks, my gratitude, and my love for all things Red and Black.
Through it all, my allegiance is cemented in Christ. He sought me when I ran from Him in 2006, and He set my feet back on His foundation. He destroyed me in 2008, and built me back stronger than I was. He has humbled me, and will continue to humble me (but not humiliate me) for His Kingdom and His ultimate glory. If He leads me back to the University of Georgia Athletics Association in the future, I will hit the ground running, and hopefully be welcomed back with open arms. If this is my last day with UGA Athletics for the rest of my life, then all glory to God. I know He is here. I know He is working. I am so thankful He allowed me to be a part of it for 7.5 years. This chapter of my life is closing, and it is sad. Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't ;)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
Friday, October 28, 2011
GA/FL
The history, the tradition, the pageantry(?)...the brutality and sincerity of this particular rivalry has led to the necessity of a "neutral" site. EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, will be half Blue and Orange and half Red and Black tomorrow. The spectacle is indeed interesting to behold. When I was growing up, I had never fully experienced the UGA vs UF game. I don't even remember watching it on TV when I was little. I'm sure I did in high school. When I became a freshman, volunteer equipment manager at UGA in June of 2004 I was excited to be a part of the team I had watched since my childhood. Putting on the red and black (mainly gray in practice) gave me a swell of pride. That oval "G" always caught my eye in a special way. I knew that Florida was our most hated rival. Those jean short-wearing, Gator-chomping, mullet-wearing individuals of the swamp were subhuman to us. The only problem is...we had won maybe 1 game in 20 years. I honestly haven't taken the time to calculate how many times we've beaten Florida in my lifetime. I'm sure it's less than 10, and maybe even less than 5? I'll look it up later. All I knew is, Georgia good, Florida bad. My freshman year, I did not travel, so I remember watching Georgia beat Florida on TV in my living room at home w/ a nice spread of barbecue. It was a win, and I was not present, but since I was still counted a member of the team, I count that in my record against Florida :)
In 2005, it all changed for me. I was a full manager, and I could travel with the team. My role on game days was not as vital as it was in practices, but the games were the perks for me. The games were vacations. They were business trips, but still vacations. All I had to do was show up. I was one of the 4 managers who stayed back to travel with the team while the other 8 left Thursday night to ride the bus to the game site. The "Thursday Crew" considered themselves the elite, but I let them have it. Truly, nothing beat the "Friday Crew". Here's my average Florida trip: On Friday I would be excused from class so that I could go to the equipment room and hand out the players' travel suits. The Thursday Crew would be simultaneously setting up at the away stadium, and if they had forgotten anything they would call us to bring with us on the plane. We would close the equipment room at noon, and any suits that had not been picked up would be taken to the buses. I would park my truck at the IM Fields, and leave it there until I returned. We had 4 buses total. The Offense would lead the way on the first bus, followed by the Defense on the second bus. The 3rd bus would be the Specialists, extra players who were able to dress for that particular game, and us managers and support staff. The 4th bus would be the AA staff and friends. We would have a police escort from Athens to Atlanta. Now, there would be food (usually sub sandwiches) waiting for us at the buses, so that we could eat on the way to Atlanta. The buses would drive straight onto the tarmac, and we would have to go through our own private security station (like we would blow up our own plane!). Yeah, we had our own Delta jet, no big deal. Now, once we got on the plane, in each seat would be a bag of food. Usually a nice sandwich, an apple or banana, some really good cheese, crackers, etc. Remember, we had just eaten sub sandwiches on the bus, but here is another feast. We would fly from Atlanta to wherever we were going (for this story, St. Augustine). We would land at St. Augustine's small airport, and bus from the airport to the World Golf Resort and Village. The main campus is pretty isolated, and surrounded by golf courses. The hotel was massive, and very tall. They had a series of shops circling a small lake, and a few restaurants. The biggest restaurant was Caddyshack, where I ate every year for dinner Friday night. Since we were really isolated, cab rides were expensive. Only once did I leave the resort, and that was 2007 where I went with a female trainer friend of mine into Jacksonville. We had dinner at Caddyshack before leaving, then we went to a theatre in JAX to see 30 Days of Night. It was an interesting movie. In 2005, 2006 and 2008 I just stayed on the resort grounds. Next to the hotel was the Golf Hall of Fame, which was also a massive building. The Hall of Fame also had an IMAX theatre, but I never saw any movies there. I would always walk a lap or two around the lake because the weather was always nice. In 2005 (I think) I was able to take UGA VI for a walk around the parking lot. I loved that dog. He's my favorite UGA. So, after playing in the resort it would be time to sleep. I had a different roommate on the road every year, and the rooms were very nice. On Saturday morning we'd wake up early. All of us managers, trainers, video crew, support staff, etc. would board one bus to make the drive to JAX. We'd get to the stadium about 5hrs before the game to set up. The Thursday Crew had already set up the basic layout of the locker room, so we just went around and taped the jerseys to the linemen's shoulder pads (it helped prevent Holding), shined the shoes and helmets (yes, we shined them), and made sure all of the helmet decals were looking proper. The hardest part of the helmet was the bones on the back since they were so small and hard to align. My job on game day was to man the equipment trunks and hand out wristbands, gloves, eye black, etc. Anything that the players forgot, or needed more of, we had. Most of our away game truck was filled with extra, backup equipment. Where we placed limitations on issued equipment during the week, on game day it was a free-for-all. The team would arrive about 2hrs before kickoff, so for those 2hrs I was very busy. During the game itself, I would stand by our on-field equipment trunk in case of any equipment emergency. I admit, during the game I was pretty useless LoL. Since I was standing behind a wall of players and coaches, I could not see the field. I had to watch every game on the stadium's JumboTron LoL. In 2005 we went into the game undefeated, but DJ Shockley had been injured the game before against Arkansas, so we were hurting. We lost a heartbreaker, but went on to win the SEC Championship. In 2006, well I don't really remember 2006. In 2007, we danced :) I can detail that story in person if you want to know. That was a great day. In 2008, we were confident going in, but Florida was riled up from the year before, and we lost pretty badly. Say what you will, but now that he's graduated I am a Tim Tebow fan. I really appreciate his ministry, and I pray he stays true to the Word. After the game, we would pack up the locker room and equipment truck as quickly as we could. Usually, we Friday Crew would have to shower, change, and board the buses with the team quickly, so our post-game work would be minimal. We would bus to the JAX airport, go through another security checkpoint, and board our plane. On the plane we were met by another food bag, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets! (Y'all seriously wonder why I'm a big guy!). Win or lose, it was always delicious. We would land in Atlanta, and still have a long bus ride back to Athens. We would get into Athens late at night, and I would get in my truck, go back to ECV where I lived, and go to sleep. I would keep my phone on though because the equipment truck would get back about 3am, and they would call the Friday Crew in to help unload. So, I would be able to really sleep by 4am that Sunday morning. I didn't go to church all through college, and that was one of the reasons why. I remember in 2005, my friend and I opted to sleep in the locker room, and around midnight some UGA police officers woke us up. I guess they thought we were vagrants, but I explained our situation, and they let us go back to sleep.
It was a side of UGA Football that most people never see or care about. Needless to say, I am one spoiled individual LoL. After being paid to go on trips for 4 years, I really have no desire to travel anymore. I went to a few road games in 2009, and after that I really decided not to travel LoL. People ask me now, "Hey! Are you going to Florida?". When I say "No." I get a variety of odd looks and responses. The Georgia/Florida game truly is a religious event. When I tell people that Florida is no longer my #1 rival, I am mocked. I'm amazed at how personally a lot of Georgia fans take this game. After a final record of 2-3 against Florida, I have a true respect for them. I see a true difference in my fandom, and that of a regular fan. I have shed blood, sweat and tears for the Georgia Bulldogs. I will always bleed Red and Black. I have rings and Varsity Letters to serve as a reminder of my service. I have connections, friendships, scrapbooks, etc. that will last me a lifetime. It was not just a spectacle for me. The games were a small percentage of my involvement, actually. I knew the people. I formed relationships. Fans will talk about recruiting, or individual players, or numbers, stats, etc. They struggle and cling to their identity. The average fan is the reason why UGA Football exists. The average fan is the reason I had a job for 5 years. Fans make college football what it is. But, at the end of the day, fan opinion rises with a win and falls with a loss. An individual will be praised one day, and persecuted the next. A coach is a hero with a win, and a demon with a loss. It is a very cutthroat profession, and I have sympathy for them. Nobody cares about a manager. A manager's name is never in the paper for a loss, or a win. Nobody credits a flawlessly-timed Tuesday practice with a victory over Florida. Where it was my identity for 5 years, UGA Football is now just something I watch on Saturday, if I watch it at all. This Saturday I'm faced with the prospect that I will not watch or listen to the Georgia/Florida game. When I mention that, people say I'm crazy, but I'm actually okay with it. I'll be spending that time with good friends at a place I love rather than sitting alone in my apartment in front of my TV. I do not share in the religious fervor of the thousands of people who will descend, and already have descended, on JAX and its South Georgia neighbors this weekend. It truly is a holiday that is planned for and pursued as much as Christmas or Thanksgiving. When it boils down to it, I have no soapbox to stand on. Truthfully, I just don't want to bother driving down there, finding a hotel, sitting in the stands, winning/losing, driving home, etc. when for 4 years I had the behind-the-scenes, all-expense-paid experience. Yes, I am spoiled and lazy. That being said, Go Dawgs! Beat Florida! I'll catch the highlights Saturday night.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
In 2005, it all changed for me. I was a full manager, and I could travel with the team. My role on game days was not as vital as it was in practices, but the games were the perks for me. The games were vacations. They were business trips, but still vacations. All I had to do was show up. I was one of the 4 managers who stayed back to travel with the team while the other 8 left Thursday night to ride the bus to the game site. The "Thursday Crew" considered themselves the elite, but I let them have it. Truly, nothing beat the "Friday Crew". Here's my average Florida trip: On Friday I would be excused from class so that I could go to the equipment room and hand out the players' travel suits. The Thursday Crew would be simultaneously setting up at the away stadium, and if they had forgotten anything they would call us to bring with us on the plane. We would close the equipment room at noon, and any suits that had not been picked up would be taken to the buses. I would park my truck at the IM Fields, and leave it there until I returned. We had 4 buses total. The Offense would lead the way on the first bus, followed by the Defense on the second bus. The 3rd bus would be the Specialists, extra players who were able to dress for that particular game, and us managers and support staff. The 4th bus would be the AA staff and friends. We would have a police escort from Athens to Atlanta. Now, there would be food (usually sub sandwiches) waiting for us at the buses, so that we could eat on the way to Atlanta. The buses would drive straight onto the tarmac, and we would have to go through our own private security station (like we would blow up our own plane!). Yeah, we had our own Delta jet, no big deal. Now, once we got on the plane, in each seat would be a bag of food. Usually a nice sandwich, an apple or banana, some really good cheese, crackers, etc. Remember, we had just eaten sub sandwiches on the bus, but here is another feast. We would fly from Atlanta to wherever we were going (for this story, St. Augustine). We would land at St. Augustine's small airport, and bus from the airport to the World Golf Resort and Village. The main campus is pretty isolated, and surrounded by golf courses. The hotel was massive, and very tall. They had a series of shops circling a small lake, and a few restaurants. The biggest restaurant was Caddyshack, where I ate every year for dinner Friday night. Since we were really isolated, cab rides were expensive. Only once did I leave the resort, and that was 2007 where I went with a female trainer friend of mine into Jacksonville. We had dinner at Caddyshack before leaving, then we went to a theatre in JAX to see 30 Days of Night. It was an interesting movie. In 2005, 2006 and 2008 I just stayed on the resort grounds. Next to the hotel was the Golf Hall of Fame, which was also a massive building. The Hall of Fame also had an IMAX theatre, but I never saw any movies there. I would always walk a lap or two around the lake because the weather was always nice. In 2005 (I think) I was able to take UGA VI for a walk around the parking lot. I loved that dog. He's my favorite UGA. So, after playing in the resort it would be time to sleep. I had a different roommate on the road every year, and the rooms were very nice. On Saturday morning we'd wake up early. All of us managers, trainers, video crew, support staff, etc. would board one bus to make the drive to JAX. We'd get to the stadium about 5hrs before the game to set up. The Thursday Crew had already set up the basic layout of the locker room, so we just went around and taped the jerseys to the linemen's shoulder pads (it helped prevent Holding), shined the shoes and helmets (yes, we shined them), and made sure all of the helmet decals were looking proper. The hardest part of the helmet was the bones on the back since they were so small and hard to align. My job on game day was to man the equipment trunks and hand out wristbands, gloves, eye black, etc. Anything that the players forgot, or needed more of, we had. Most of our away game truck was filled with extra, backup equipment. Where we placed limitations on issued equipment during the week, on game day it was a free-for-all. The team would arrive about 2hrs before kickoff, so for those 2hrs I was very busy. During the game itself, I would stand by our on-field equipment trunk in case of any equipment emergency. I admit, during the game I was pretty useless LoL. Since I was standing behind a wall of players and coaches, I could not see the field. I had to watch every game on the stadium's JumboTron LoL. In 2005 we went into the game undefeated, but DJ Shockley had been injured the game before against Arkansas, so we were hurting. We lost a heartbreaker, but went on to win the SEC Championship. In 2006, well I don't really remember 2006. In 2007, we danced :) I can detail that story in person if you want to know. That was a great day. In 2008, we were confident going in, but Florida was riled up from the year before, and we lost pretty badly. Say what you will, but now that he's graduated I am a Tim Tebow fan. I really appreciate his ministry, and I pray he stays true to the Word. After the game, we would pack up the locker room and equipment truck as quickly as we could. Usually, we Friday Crew would have to shower, change, and board the buses with the team quickly, so our post-game work would be minimal. We would bus to the JAX airport, go through another security checkpoint, and board our plane. On the plane we were met by another food bag, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets! (Y'all seriously wonder why I'm a big guy!). Win or lose, it was always delicious. We would land in Atlanta, and still have a long bus ride back to Athens. We would get into Athens late at night, and I would get in my truck, go back to ECV where I lived, and go to sleep. I would keep my phone on though because the equipment truck would get back about 3am, and they would call the Friday Crew in to help unload. So, I would be able to really sleep by 4am that Sunday morning. I didn't go to church all through college, and that was one of the reasons why. I remember in 2005, my friend and I opted to sleep in the locker room, and around midnight some UGA police officers woke us up. I guess they thought we were vagrants, but I explained our situation, and they let us go back to sleep.
It was a side of UGA Football that most people never see or care about. Needless to say, I am one spoiled individual LoL. After being paid to go on trips for 4 years, I really have no desire to travel anymore. I went to a few road games in 2009, and after that I really decided not to travel LoL. People ask me now, "Hey! Are you going to Florida?". When I say "No." I get a variety of odd looks and responses. The Georgia/Florida game truly is a religious event. When I tell people that Florida is no longer my #1 rival, I am mocked. I'm amazed at how personally a lot of Georgia fans take this game. After a final record of 2-3 against Florida, I have a true respect for them. I see a true difference in my fandom, and that of a regular fan. I have shed blood, sweat and tears for the Georgia Bulldogs. I will always bleed Red and Black. I have rings and Varsity Letters to serve as a reminder of my service. I have connections, friendships, scrapbooks, etc. that will last me a lifetime. It was not just a spectacle for me. The games were a small percentage of my involvement, actually. I knew the people. I formed relationships. Fans will talk about recruiting, or individual players, or numbers, stats, etc. They struggle and cling to their identity. The average fan is the reason why UGA Football exists. The average fan is the reason I had a job for 5 years. Fans make college football what it is. But, at the end of the day, fan opinion rises with a win and falls with a loss. An individual will be praised one day, and persecuted the next. A coach is a hero with a win, and a demon with a loss. It is a very cutthroat profession, and I have sympathy for them. Nobody cares about a manager. A manager's name is never in the paper for a loss, or a win. Nobody credits a flawlessly-timed Tuesday practice with a victory over Florida. Where it was my identity for 5 years, UGA Football is now just something I watch on Saturday, if I watch it at all. This Saturday I'm faced with the prospect that I will not watch or listen to the Georgia/Florida game. When I mention that, people say I'm crazy, but I'm actually okay with it. I'll be spending that time with good friends at a place I love rather than sitting alone in my apartment in front of my TV. I do not share in the religious fervor of the thousands of people who will descend, and already have descended, on JAX and its South Georgia neighbors this weekend. It truly is a holiday that is planned for and pursued as much as Christmas or Thanksgiving. When it boils down to it, I have no soapbox to stand on. Truthfully, I just don't want to bother driving down there, finding a hotel, sitting in the stands, winning/losing, driving home, etc. when for 4 years I had the behind-the-scenes, all-expense-paid experience. Yes, I am spoiled and lazy. That being said, Go Dawgs! Beat Florida! I'll catch the highlights Saturday night.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Halloween
I've read a lot of articles, recommended by spiritual leaders in my life, about Halloween. Every year the focus shifts to Halloween, then to Christmas, etc. It seems like I hear the same things every year. I, personally, hate being scared. I don't watch Horror movies, or attend haunted houses, etc. So, here's my thought process about Halloween.
It's called a pagan holiday. For those of us raised fundamentalist, pagan = evil. However, I have not seen a difference in believer participation vs. non-believer participation. I speak from my own experience, so I do not claim to perceive the whole. Some believers I know condemn, rebuke, and refuse to participate in Halloween festivities. That is fine. In my family, the celebration of Halloween has always occurred. I remember even dressing up as Batman when I was young (3?) at my grandparents' house in Arkansas. My grandparents are very devout believers. Halloween was always scary to me, but never evil scary. I would put on a costume and run around my neighborhood with my friends. I would fill up a bag with candy, and be happy. We'd eat that candy for months afterward, and usually have to throw some away. If we ate our breakfast fully we could have 1 piece, lunch 2, and dinner 3. That's how it went in my household when I was young. The only costumes I remember were Batman, Bugs Bunny, Karate Kid (I was in karate), and I think I was a soldier one year too. I remember my brother and sister being Power Rangers.
In high school we had "Hell House". It was a haunted house, but it was scary because it was real. We pulled back the curtains, and showed how Satan and his influence can creep into our everyday lives. The journey followed a car accident, a teenage couple getting pregnant, a teen committing suicide by hanging (possibly the scariest thing I can imagine), a failed abortion that killed the mother, etc. At the end of the horrors, comes a scene in Heaven where God's on the throne, and judging the two characters. The girl who aborted the baby had repented and believed, so she got to go into Heaven (a room in our student center that was brightly-lit). The boyfriend, who had gotten the girl pregnant and then killed himself, had not repented, and proceeded to accuse God of being unfair, not present, etc. It was a very well-acted rant, if I remember correctly. Rationales, excuses, etc. were flung at God, but in an earlier scene at a funeral of the friend who died in the car wreck, the Gospel was presented. That's where the girl repented and the boy hardened his heart. So, he had a chance, and it was his own fault. He was dismissed into Hell. Hell was our hallway in our student center. It was pitch black, covered in black plastic, with space heaters set to ungodly levels. There was a scream track playing as well. It was a pretty haunting experience. I don't remember if I dressed up or not during Halloween in high school. More than likely, I didn't.
In college, I remember going to a Halloween party my freshman year with a group from my hall. I was the designated driver. I dressed up as a Football manager (original, right?). The party was at a Senior's house, and there was alcohol in abundance. We arrived later, and my group descended into drunkenness. The night ended w/ me carrying a passed out girl from my hall to the car and putting her in the passenger's seat. We had 5 people crammed into 3 seats in the back of my roommate's small Saturn. Then, drunk Senior guys surrounded the car and wouldn't let us leave because someone had stolen the tip jar money, and they were accusing someone in my car. Everyone but me was drunk. I finally got an opening and hit the gas. The Seniors chased me down the street. No joke. When we got back to O-House, I had to carry my passed out friend to her room. So, basically, it was not a fun evening. I don't remember other Halloween festivities because I was on the Football team, and that was Florida weekend. My first Halloween back as a free man, I wore all of my UT gear (solid orange), and went downtown to see the festivities with some friends. I wore UT stuff because I couldn't think of anything more evil. Then that next year I was a ninja. Now it is this year, and I doubt I will participate at all.
Halloween provides a chance to dress in costume and be someone/something else. What I've come to think about is why? Why do I want to pretend to be someone/something else? I'm 26, so knocking on a random door and asking for candy doesn't work anymore. Do I really want to pretend to be something I'm not? Do I care? I'd like to say that there is some deeply spiritual reason for my non-participation this year, but really I'm just lazy and I don't care anymore. Honestly, all holidays have lost their lustre with me. All of the (for lack of a better word) magic has gone out of them for me. Call me crazy, or lazy, and you're probably right.
But, that's enough about Halloween as a holiday. Here is the real frightening truth. Those of us who have committed our lives to following after Jesus have a very real, and very violent enemy. Since my Sophomore year of high school I have become increasingly more aware of the existence of evil. By the grace of God, many lies have been exposed to me. Also by the grace of God, I have been given a boldness to call them out. On my own, the weakest demon could kill me. Thankfully it's not my duty to pull out a stick and take on a demon. That war is already won. My physical body cannot take on a spiritual being. The war we are fighting is against the lies and the distortions that exist through sin. Satan is the enemy figurehead, but really he's no more powerful than the other demons since they're all fallen angels. Satan loves Halloween because it's the one night a year where we can reinforce the image of him as a horned, red figure w/ a pitchfork. He doesn't want us to perceive him as he truly is, which is the most beautiful angel that God created. Yes, people, he's still beautiful to behold at first. That's why temptation is so enticing at first. It's only when we peel away the layers, and hold it up next to the Truth of God that we see him for what he really is. The lies become exposed, and we are horrified. If we saw the horrific reality at the start, we'd avoid the lies like a plague, but we don't. Satan gives us a 1-degree shift followed by another 1-degree shift until we realize later how off course we are. I see the lies that lead a person to take their own life. The lie that there is no hope left. That horrifies me. The truth is there is Hope in Jesus. He heals and restores. Satan would lie to you and say He doesn't do that, but He does. There is Truth that the lies cannot prevail against.
There is a darkness. Sometimes even our light cannot prevail against it because it's so overwhelming. There are situations that we as Christians need to avoid. I'm not saying that celebrating Halloween is one of them, but choose how you celebrate. This Halloween will not find me walking into a coven simply because I have the Holy Spirit (though, if I were led I would go and see what God does). Those of you who know me, know I focus on spiritual warfare. That does not mean, I charge the darkness with a stick. I have realized that the dark realities exist to drive me closer to the Light. Only in Jesus is there victory. He has already prevailed. The battles and skirmishes here on earth are not won because I am awesome, but because the enemy can't stand up to Him. Even pastors that I look up to in my life aren't awesome enough to win one-on-one against the weakest demon. God is the only Light that can beat the dark dominion of Satan here on Earth. We as Christians are indeed called to be lights, but we are called to carry the Light. On our own we couldn't strike a spark. We carry the Light against this dark world. As I continue to read Scripture, I pray that God allows me to continue to be bold. I pray that He makes His Truth crystal clear to me. Though the world may come against me, I pray I stand on His Word alone. I am calling Satan out for what he truly is. I will call him on his lies. Sure, I'll get knocked off my feet, but God is the Victor, not me. I just get to be a small part of His Kingdom.
So, all that to say this. Be safe this Halloween. Think about who or what you are glorifying. There is an enemy. Don't even ask him to dance. Don't dabble or toy with it because you think you can get away with it one night a year. It's not cool or cute. Evil doesn't just exist one day a year. If you want to dress up and get candy, make sure you share some with me LoL. If you claim Christ, as I do, gird up and make war daily. Fall is a beautiful time of year. Fall is my favorite time of year, actually. Harvests, etc. should be celebrated. God should be glorified for His provision. Sure, we have Thanksgiving in America, but even on Halloween the beauty of His creation in Fall should bring Him the glory. Remember, we're at war. I'm here for you if you need me.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
It's called a pagan holiday. For those of us raised fundamentalist, pagan = evil. However, I have not seen a difference in believer participation vs. non-believer participation. I speak from my own experience, so I do not claim to perceive the whole. Some believers I know condemn, rebuke, and refuse to participate in Halloween festivities. That is fine. In my family, the celebration of Halloween has always occurred. I remember even dressing up as Batman when I was young (3?) at my grandparents' house in Arkansas. My grandparents are very devout believers. Halloween was always scary to me, but never evil scary. I would put on a costume and run around my neighborhood with my friends. I would fill up a bag with candy, and be happy. We'd eat that candy for months afterward, and usually have to throw some away. If we ate our breakfast fully we could have 1 piece, lunch 2, and dinner 3. That's how it went in my household when I was young. The only costumes I remember were Batman, Bugs Bunny, Karate Kid (I was in karate), and I think I was a soldier one year too. I remember my brother and sister being Power Rangers.
In high school we had "Hell House". It was a haunted house, but it was scary because it was real. We pulled back the curtains, and showed how Satan and his influence can creep into our everyday lives. The journey followed a car accident, a teenage couple getting pregnant, a teen committing suicide by hanging (possibly the scariest thing I can imagine), a failed abortion that killed the mother, etc. At the end of the horrors, comes a scene in Heaven where God's on the throne, and judging the two characters. The girl who aborted the baby had repented and believed, so she got to go into Heaven (a room in our student center that was brightly-lit). The boyfriend, who had gotten the girl pregnant and then killed himself, had not repented, and proceeded to accuse God of being unfair, not present, etc. It was a very well-acted rant, if I remember correctly. Rationales, excuses, etc. were flung at God, but in an earlier scene at a funeral of the friend who died in the car wreck, the Gospel was presented. That's where the girl repented and the boy hardened his heart. So, he had a chance, and it was his own fault. He was dismissed into Hell. Hell was our hallway in our student center. It was pitch black, covered in black plastic, with space heaters set to ungodly levels. There was a scream track playing as well. It was a pretty haunting experience. I don't remember if I dressed up or not during Halloween in high school. More than likely, I didn't.
In college, I remember going to a Halloween party my freshman year with a group from my hall. I was the designated driver. I dressed up as a Football manager (original, right?). The party was at a Senior's house, and there was alcohol in abundance. We arrived later, and my group descended into drunkenness. The night ended w/ me carrying a passed out girl from my hall to the car and putting her in the passenger's seat. We had 5 people crammed into 3 seats in the back of my roommate's small Saturn. Then, drunk Senior guys surrounded the car and wouldn't let us leave because someone had stolen the tip jar money, and they were accusing someone in my car. Everyone but me was drunk. I finally got an opening and hit the gas. The Seniors chased me down the street. No joke. When we got back to O-House, I had to carry my passed out friend to her room. So, basically, it was not a fun evening. I don't remember other Halloween festivities because I was on the Football team, and that was Florida weekend. My first Halloween back as a free man, I wore all of my UT gear (solid orange), and went downtown to see the festivities with some friends. I wore UT stuff because I couldn't think of anything more evil. Then that next year I was a ninja. Now it is this year, and I doubt I will participate at all.
Halloween provides a chance to dress in costume and be someone/something else. What I've come to think about is why? Why do I want to pretend to be someone/something else? I'm 26, so knocking on a random door and asking for candy doesn't work anymore. Do I really want to pretend to be something I'm not? Do I care? I'd like to say that there is some deeply spiritual reason for my non-participation this year, but really I'm just lazy and I don't care anymore. Honestly, all holidays have lost their lustre with me. All of the (for lack of a better word) magic has gone out of them for me. Call me crazy, or lazy, and you're probably right.
But, that's enough about Halloween as a holiday. Here is the real frightening truth. Those of us who have committed our lives to following after Jesus have a very real, and very violent enemy. Since my Sophomore year of high school I have become increasingly more aware of the existence of evil. By the grace of God, many lies have been exposed to me. Also by the grace of God, I have been given a boldness to call them out. On my own, the weakest demon could kill me. Thankfully it's not my duty to pull out a stick and take on a demon. That war is already won. My physical body cannot take on a spiritual being. The war we are fighting is against the lies and the distortions that exist through sin. Satan is the enemy figurehead, but really he's no more powerful than the other demons since they're all fallen angels. Satan loves Halloween because it's the one night a year where we can reinforce the image of him as a horned, red figure w/ a pitchfork. He doesn't want us to perceive him as he truly is, which is the most beautiful angel that God created. Yes, people, he's still beautiful to behold at first. That's why temptation is so enticing at first. It's only when we peel away the layers, and hold it up next to the Truth of God that we see him for what he really is. The lies become exposed, and we are horrified. If we saw the horrific reality at the start, we'd avoid the lies like a plague, but we don't. Satan gives us a 1-degree shift followed by another 1-degree shift until we realize later how off course we are. I see the lies that lead a person to take their own life. The lie that there is no hope left. That horrifies me. The truth is there is Hope in Jesus. He heals and restores. Satan would lie to you and say He doesn't do that, but He does. There is Truth that the lies cannot prevail against.
There is a darkness. Sometimes even our light cannot prevail against it because it's so overwhelming. There are situations that we as Christians need to avoid. I'm not saying that celebrating Halloween is one of them, but choose how you celebrate. This Halloween will not find me walking into a coven simply because I have the Holy Spirit (though, if I were led I would go and see what God does). Those of you who know me, know I focus on spiritual warfare. That does not mean, I charge the darkness with a stick. I have realized that the dark realities exist to drive me closer to the Light. Only in Jesus is there victory. He has already prevailed. The battles and skirmishes here on earth are not won because I am awesome, but because the enemy can't stand up to Him. Even pastors that I look up to in my life aren't awesome enough to win one-on-one against the weakest demon. God is the only Light that can beat the dark dominion of Satan here on Earth. We as Christians are indeed called to be lights, but we are called to carry the Light. On our own we couldn't strike a spark. We carry the Light against this dark world. As I continue to read Scripture, I pray that God allows me to continue to be bold. I pray that He makes His Truth crystal clear to me. Though the world may come against me, I pray I stand on His Word alone. I am calling Satan out for what he truly is. I will call him on his lies. Sure, I'll get knocked off my feet, but God is the Victor, not me. I just get to be a small part of His Kingdom.
So, all that to say this. Be safe this Halloween. Think about who or what you are glorifying. There is an enemy. Don't even ask him to dance. Don't dabble or toy with it because you think you can get away with it one night a year. It's not cool or cute. Evil doesn't just exist one day a year. If you want to dress up and get candy, make sure you share some with me LoL. If you claim Christ, as I do, gird up and make war daily. Fall is a beautiful time of year. Fall is my favorite time of year, actually. Harvests, etc. should be celebrated. God should be glorified for His provision. Sure, we have Thanksgiving in America, but even on Halloween the beauty of His creation in Fall should bring Him the glory. Remember, we're at war. I'm here for you if you need me.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Revelation 1-3
I need to start off by saying that Revelation is very confusing because there is no apparent timetable set up, and there is a lot of symbolic imagery. That being said, I do not claim to be any scholar on the subject, and I probably won't cover the entire book. However, I'm interested in the first three chapters that contain letters from Jesus, written by John, to seven churches in Asia (or modern day West Turkey).
Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7): Jesus commends the Ephesians for their doctrinal vigilance and endurance. I know several people who are doctrinally strong at my church. Far stronger than I am. Jesus points out to them that they have lost their first love, which is Him. He pretty much says He likes what they're doing for Him, but He misses the relationship He had with them. He tells them to remember the relationship, repent for losing sight of it, and to do the works they did at the beginning. To me, I read it as a call to do good works because I love Him, not because I feel like I have to please Him. Works do not save us (Ephesians 2:8-9). Funny how Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians talking about works, and here Jesus does the same thing. Good works are not bad since they are evidence of a relationship with Him (or they should be), but Jesus does not want me to forget about His grace and love. Any good works that I do should be flowing from Him through me. I am not a righteous person. None of us are. He is righteous, and if we believe then He lives in us, and from Him all good things flow. Jesus tells them that if they don't repent then He will remove their lampstand, which is symbolic for Him taking away their witness. They will cease to be effective despite their good works. That sucks. I do not want to be insignificant. However, if they conquer and endure until the end then He will allow them to eat from the Tree of Life in Paradise (Eden). Adam and Eve (and through them all of us) were cut off from the Tree of Life by a cherubim with a flaming sword. These Ephesians get to regain Paradise! That would be awesome. I'm a junkie for historical stuff, or experiencing things not everyone gets to experience. Walking into Eden and taking a bite of that fruit seems like an awesome reward!
Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11): This is bleak, yet awesomely hopeful at the same time. In these letters, Jesus opens with an introduction of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a solution to the problem, and consequences (good and bad) of their choices after the fact. Jesus does not have a rebuke for Smyrna (yay, right?). Instead he tells them that they will face persecution from the "synagogue of Satan", and that they should endure unto death. He introduced Himself as the One who died and came back to life. He shows that He is Life, and He gives life. He tells them to endure, and they will be given the crown of life, and will not be hurt by the second (eternal) death. This kinda sucks. You get a letter saying, "hey, you're going to die. It's not going to get any better on earth." But, at the same time, Jesus Himself is writing you a letter telling you to hold on because He's got you for eternity. Jesus knew He came to be crucified. He knew He was sacrificing Himself for the sins of the world (my sins), but He also knew He would gain Heaven. He's pretty much giving Smyrna the same encouragement God the Father gave Him. That's pretty cool. I don't want to be told that my life is going to suck more and more with each day, but having Jesus Himself tell me He's waiting for me might give me some hope LoL.
Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17): John describes Jesus as having a double-edged sword coming out of His mouth in his vision. This is where Jesus says He will use it. The church in Pergamum has been holding fast to His teaching, and they have been warring against false teachings. They have not denied their faith. However, there were some who gave in to false teachings, and Jesus rebukes them. He calls them to repent and return to His Truth. He is the Truth. Period. He tells them if they do not repent He will wage war on them with the sword of His mouth. Lies cannot stand up against Truth. I get the image of a debate where He just cuts them all down with Truth. The sword is a powerful image that is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe the Word of God, or Bible (Isaiah 49:2; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; and Revelation 19:15). So, basically, Jesus will wage war. I don't want to be His enemy. I will lose! If Pergamum repents then Jesus will give them a white stone with their new name on it, and hidden manna. When I first read this I was like "big whoop", but when I read the explanation, I realized that the hidden manna symbolizes the undefiled food. The "good stuff". God's personal supply. A white stone was given to the winners of competitions and games by the host. That stone was their meal ticket, their invitation to the banquet with the host after the games. So, basically, Jesus is saying that if they endure until the end, they will get to party with Him in his VIP lounge. That's pretty cool when I think about it. I'd like to have exclusive access to Him.
Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29): Thyatira gets props for its good works. However, Jesus points out that in their growing love, they are beginning to lose their discernment and allow in things like sexual immorality. This is an example of a "there is grace, so do whatever you want." scenario. Jesus points out that that is not the case. Yes, there is grace and love, but not to the point of sinning. The grace and love are meant to keep us from sinning, not allow it. I love how Jesus just echoes Paul yet again. I also love that these letters are short. Jesus does not need to reason with them. He is the Truth. Period. He's very concise. "I like this, I don't like this, do this to change, if you don't then I will do this, and if you do then I will give you this." It's very straightforward. Jesus warns that if they do not repent and seek discernment then He will give them each according to their works. Since all of our good works are as filthy rags to Him in the first place (Isaiah 64:6), we're not going to get to be with Him. Our salvation does not come from the fruit, but the root. The seed of the Spirit must be planted in us before we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. If they repent and endure unto the end, they will receive the morning star, and be placed in authority over all nations. That's a pretty good deal. The morning star is Jesus, so they will get His presence. They will also be put in charge of the nations. Leaders need discernment and clarity, so they will have the discernment and clarity that Jesus provides. I would want a leader like that in charge of me. I want that right now. I don't mind following someone like that.
Sardis (Rev 3:1-6): Jesus sees that a few of them are remaining pure and loyal, but that there are a lot of dead works. He wants them to awaken and remain vigilant unto the end. They must keep the Word and repent of all else. If they stay asleep then they will miss His coming. They will miss out on all He has to offer. If they stay vigilant and conquer unto the end they will be clothed in white garments and their names will never be blotted from the Book of Life. Jesus will also confess their names before God and angels. Basically, Jesus will cleanse them so they can be in His entourage, and He will look at God and the angels and say "they're with Me." I would love to roll w/ Jesus in His entourage. That would be a great reward.
Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13): Philadelphia does not get a rebuke. They are in the same boat as Smyrna was. They too have a "synagogue of Satan" that Jesus will war against. They hold fast to His Word and do not deny Him despite great opposition. He tells them to keep holding on. Their reward is to be made pillars in the temple of God inscribed with the names of God, New Jerusalem, and Christ. Since God does not live in temple buildings, but in the hearts of His people, this symbolizes that they will be important fixtures in His presence. They will remain in His presence. They will bear His name. That's pretty cool too!
Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22): Laodicea does not receive any commendation. Jesus is rather pissed at them. This is where we get the much-used lukewarm verse (Rev 3:16). They have nothing good for Jesus to commend, and nothing bad for Jesus to rebuke, but the inaction is rebuked. This shows that there is no neutrality with God. Just because you do not openly oppose Him does not mean you get to spend eternity in Heaven. Inaction is the same as open rebellion in His eyes. This is very dangerous stuff. I saw myself as lukewarm for a period of my life, and I repented of that. Some days my fire may not burn as bright, but it is there now. Jesus calls them spiritually blind, bankrupt, naked and lukewarm. Ouch! Smyrna and Philadelphia got hope, and the others all got some commendations, but Laodicea is just feeling His ire. He tells them to buy gold, white garments, and salve from Himself. They can't afford that! That's the thing. Jesus paid it all, and so everything is His to freely give. They have to take action and come get it though. He wants them to grow hot, and pursue Him. When Jesus tells you that He'd rather you be cold (oppenly against Him) than lukewarm, you know you have a problem. He hates inaction. He says if they do not take action either way, He will spew them out of His mouth. He's used His mouth as symbolism before. He has the double-edged sword of Truth in His mouth, and He will also claim Sardis as His posse. He will speak for someone, or against someone, but He will also spew some people from His mouth. Some people aren't even worth mentioning. I don't want to be one of those people! I want Him to validate me. I want to be His friend. I want Him to teach me Truth. I don't want to be vomited from His mouth. Here's the kicker. Check their reward if they pursue Him. They get to dine with Him as friends, and will be granted the chance to sit with Jesus on His throne! So, here's a church that's done nothing (literally) to deserve anything good from Him, and He tells them He will reward them with the chance to be very close to Him. Reclining at the table with Him as friends, and sitting on His throne! That shows that they will have some crazy leadership responsibilities. Thyatira gets to rule over nations, but Laodicea will get to rule over them! That's not too shabby! I'd like to sit on the throne.
Okay, we must all understand something. If we are in Christ, we all gain Heaven. We will all eat with God at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, and we will all spend eternity in God's presence (Heaven). If we're in...we're in. Period. Nobody gets in without Jesus though. This shows that Jesus still values division of labor, responsibilities in the Kingdom, roles, etc. We will be doing work, son! Even though our rewards are the same, there are different levels. That does not mean one person will be better than another. Since we will not be seeking our own glory, but His, and in Heaven we will have His glorious presence, then our roles won't matter to us. Nobody will have any reason to boast or be jealous. Each of these listed rewards is awesome. What I get from these 3 chapters is that I do not need to worry :) Whatever Heaven is like, I will not be bored, and I will get to chill with Jesus. While I'm on this earth, I hope Jesus can write me a letter telling me "I like this...", and I also hope He loves me enough to say "I don't like this. Here is how you fix it..." (Revelation 3:19, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.") As a loving parent disciplines their child to teach them, so God does for His children. When He disciplines me I know He loves me, and I also know I'm His child. He wants to prune me so that I can bear more fruit. Pruning hurts, but it is necessary. I don't know why He wants to use me. I am nothing. Still, I want to hold onto my first love and be faithful unto death. I do not want to die anytime soon, but it's nice to know I have something amazing waiting for me at the end of this life. As I continue to live I want to bear fruit and advance the Kingdom.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7): Jesus commends the Ephesians for their doctrinal vigilance and endurance. I know several people who are doctrinally strong at my church. Far stronger than I am. Jesus points out to them that they have lost their first love, which is Him. He pretty much says He likes what they're doing for Him, but He misses the relationship He had with them. He tells them to remember the relationship, repent for losing sight of it, and to do the works they did at the beginning. To me, I read it as a call to do good works because I love Him, not because I feel like I have to please Him. Works do not save us (Ephesians 2:8-9). Funny how Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians talking about works, and here Jesus does the same thing. Good works are not bad since they are evidence of a relationship with Him (or they should be), but Jesus does not want me to forget about His grace and love. Any good works that I do should be flowing from Him through me. I am not a righteous person. None of us are. He is righteous, and if we believe then He lives in us, and from Him all good things flow. Jesus tells them that if they don't repent then He will remove their lampstand, which is symbolic for Him taking away their witness. They will cease to be effective despite their good works. That sucks. I do not want to be insignificant. However, if they conquer and endure until the end then He will allow them to eat from the Tree of Life in Paradise (Eden). Adam and Eve (and through them all of us) were cut off from the Tree of Life by a cherubim with a flaming sword. These Ephesians get to regain Paradise! That would be awesome. I'm a junkie for historical stuff, or experiencing things not everyone gets to experience. Walking into Eden and taking a bite of that fruit seems like an awesome reward!
Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11): This is bleak, yet awesomely hopeful at the same time. In these letters, Jesus opens with an introduction of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a solution to the problem, and consequences (good and bad) of their choices after the fact. Jesus does not have a rebuke for Smyrna (yay, right?). Instead he tells them that they will face persecution from the "synagogue of Satan", and that they should endure unto death. He introduced Himself as the One who died and came back to life. He shows that He is Life, and He gives life. He tells them to endure, and they will be given the crown of life, and will not be hurt by the second (eternal) death. This kinda sucks. You get a letter saying, "hey, you're going to die. It's not going to get any better on earth." But, at the same time, Jesus Himself is writing you a letter telling you to hold on because He's got you for eternity. Jesus knew He came to be crucified. He knew He was sacrificing Himself for the sins of the world (my sins), but He also knew He would gain Heaven. He's pretty much giving Smyrna the same encouragement God the Father gave Him. That's pretty cool. I don't want to be told that my life is going to suck more and more with each day, but having Jesus Himself tell me He's waiting for me might give me some hope LoL.
Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17): John describes Jesus as having a double-edged sword coming out of His mouth in his vision. This is where Jesus says He will use it. The church in Pergamum has been holding fast to His teaching, and they have been warring against false teachings. They have not denied their faith. However, there were some who gave in to false teachings, and Jesus rebukes them. He calls them to repent and return to His Truth. He is the Truth. Period. He tells them if they do not repent He will wage war on them with the sword of His mouth. Lies cannot stand up against Truth. I get the image of a debate where He just cuts them all down with Truth. The sword is a powerful image that is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe the Word of God, or Bible (Isaiah 49:2; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; and Revelation 19:15). So, basically, Jesus will wage war. I don't want to be His enemy. I will lose! If Pergamum repents then Jesus will give them a white stone with their new name on it, and hidden manna. When I first read this I was like "big whoop", but when I read the explanation, I realized that the hidden manna symbolizes the undefiled food. The "good stuff". God's personal supply. A white stone was given to the winners of competitions and games by the host. That stone was their meal ticket, their invitation to the banquet with the host after the games. So, basically, Jesus is saying that if they endure until the end, they will get to party with Him in his VIP lounge. That's pretty cool when I think about it. I'd like to have exclusive access to Him.
Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29): Thyatira gets props for its good works. However, Jesus points out that in their growing love, they are beginning to lose their discernment and allow in things like sexual immorality. This is an example of a "there is grace, so do whatever you want." scenario. Jesus points out that that is not the case. Yes, there is grace and love, but not to the point of sinning. The grace and love are meant to keep us from sinning, not allow it. I love how Jesus just echoes Paul yet again. I also love that these letters are short. Jesus does not need to reason with them. He is the Truth. Period. He's very concise. "I like this, I don't like this, do this to change, if you don't then I will do this, and if you do then I will give you this." It's very straightforward. Jesus warns that if they do not repent and seek discernment then He will give them each according to their works. Since all of our good works are as filthy rags to Him in the first place (Isaiah 64:6), we're not going to get to be with Him. Our salvation does not come from the fruit, but the root. The seed of the Spirit must be planted in us before we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. If they repent and endure unto the end, they will receive the morning star, and be placed in authority over all nations. That's a pretty good deal. The morning star is Jesus, so they will get His presence. They will also be put in charge of the nations. Leaders need discernment and clarity, so they will have the discernment and clarity that Jesus provides. I would want a leader like that in charge of me. I want that right now. I don't mind following someone like that.
Sardis (Rev 3:1-6): Jesus sees that a few of them are remaining pure and loyal, but that there are a lot of dead works. He wants them to awaken and remain vigilant unto the end. They must keep the Word and repent of all else. If they stay asleep then they will miss His coming. They will miss out on all He has to offer. If they stay vigilant and conquer unto the end they will be clothed in white garments and their names will never be blotted from the Book of Life. Jesus will also confess their names before God and angels. Basically, Jesus will cleanse them so they can be in His entourage, and He will look at God and the angels and say "they're with Me." I would love to roll w/ Jesus in His entourage. That would be a great reward.
Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13): Philadelphia does not get a rebuke. They are in the same boat as Smyrna was. They too have a "synagogue of Satan" that Jesus will war against. They hold fast to His Word and do not deny Him despite great opposition. He tells them to keep holding on. Their reward is to be made pillars in the temple of God inscribed with the names of God, New Jerusalem, and Christ. Since God does not live in temple buildings, but in the hearts of His people, this symbolizes that they will be important fixtures in His presence. They will remain in His presence. They will bear His name. That's pretty cool too!
Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22): Laodicea does not receive any commendation. Jesus is rather pissed at them. This is where we get the much-used lukewarm verse (Rev 3:16). They have nothing good for Jesus to commend, and nothing bad for Jesus to rebuke, but the inaction is rebuked. This shows that there is no neutrality with God. Just because you do not openly oppose Him does not mean you get to spend eternity in Heaven. Inaction is the same as open rebellion in His eyes. This is very dangerous stuff. I saw myself as lukewarm for a period of my life, and I repented of that. Some days my fire may not burn as bright, but it is there now. Jesus calls them spiritually blind, bankrupt, naked and lukewarm. Ouch! Smyrna and Philadelphia got hope, and the others all got some commendations, but Laodicea is just feeling His ire. He tells them to buy gold, white garments, and salve from Himself. They can't afford that! That's the thing. Jesus paid it all, and so everything is His to freely give. They have to take action and come get it though. He wants them to grow hot, and pursue Him. When Jesus tells you that He'd rather you be cold (oppenly against Him) than lukewarm, you know you have a problem. He hates inaction. He says if they do not take action either way, He will spew them out of His mouth. He's used His mouth as symbolism before. He has the double-edged sword of Truth in His mouth, and He will also claim Sardis as His posse. He will speak for someone, or against someone, but He will also spew some people from His mouth. Some people aren't even worth mentioning. I don't want to be one of those people! I want Him to validate me. I want to be His friend. I want Him to teach me Truth. I don't want to be vomited from His mouth. Here's the kicker. Check their reward if they pursue Him. They get to dine with Him as friends, and will be granted the chance to sit with Jesus on His throne! So, here's a church that's done nothing (literally) to deserve anything good from Him, and He tells them He will reward them with the chance to be very close to Him. Reclining at the table with Him as friends, and sitting on His throne! That shows that they will have some crazy leadership responsibilities. Thyatira gets to rule over nations, but Laodicea will get to rule over them! That's not too shabby! I'd like to sit on the throne.
Okay, we must all understand something. If we are in Christ, we all gain Heaven. We will all eat with God at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, and we will all spend eternity in God's presence (Heaven). If we're in...we're in. Period. Nobody gets in without Jesus though. This shows that Jesus still values division of labor, responsibilities in the Kingdom, roles, etc. We will be doing work, son! Even though our rewards are the same, there are different levels. That does not mean one person will be better than another. Since we will not be seeking our own glory, but His, and in Heaven we will have His glorious presence, then our roles won't matter to us. Nobody will have any reason to boast or be jealous. Each of these listed rewards is awesome. What I get from these 3 chapters is that I do not need to worry :) Whatever Heaven is like, I will not be bored, and I will get to chill with Jesus. While I'm on this earth, I hope Jesus can write me a letter telling me "I like this...", and I also hope He loves me enough to say "I don't like this. Here is how you fix it..." (Revelation 3:19, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.") As a loving parent disciplines their child to teach them, so God does for His children. When He disciplines me I know He loves me, and I also know I'm His child. He wants to prune me so that I can bear more fruit. Pruning hurts, but it is necessary. I don't know why He wants to use me. I am nothing. Still, I want to hold onto my first love and be faithful unto death. I do not want to die anytime soon, but it's nice to know I have something amazing waiting for me at the end of this life. As I continue to live I want to bear fruit and advance the Kingdom.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Friday, October 14, 2011
Worship
We were created to worship something, whether it be God, Football, Money, etc. Worship is just spending your time and resources on the pursuit of something you value. God wants to be placed first and foremost in our lives, and in return He promises His best will for us. Matthew 6:33 says to seek after Him first, and then we'll be given everything else. It's not "so that" we'll get everything else. God is not a means to an end. He is the end. He is all.
Never do I feel closer to God than in corporate praise and worship, meaning group singing of praise songs. The Holy Spirit falls on the room whether you're singing hymns or the latest Chris Tomlin song. I have seen spiritually dead congregations where they sing out of necessity, and I have seen the Holy Spirit blast a group of about twenty 8-12yr old kids. I've been a part of large worship services at Watkinsville First Baptist Church, including a live CD recording, where the Holy Spirit shows up in force. The Spirit moves us to song, to poetry, to raw emotion. I'm not saying this doesn't happen in other religions, but I personally haven't seen it. I know other religions have their ways to show their devotion, but most of the time it seems like they're saying, "I don't know what to do, so I'll do this and hope and pray you like it." whereas Christians acknowledge that Christ has already done it, and the least we could do is sing to Him. Sometimes vocal singing isn't even necessary.
I don't have much time to go truly in depth, but this is just my way of saying I love being in corporate worship sessions. Whether it's a fully-plugged in band, or one man w/ an acoustic guitar, as long as the Holy Spirit is there, it's amazing. We need to be less focused on the spectacle and more focused on the presence of God. A church body led by the Spirit is a force to be reckoned with indeed. I'm thankful for the worship leaders and singers/players in my life. You know who you are :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Never do I feel closer to God than in corporate praise and worship, meaning group singing of praise songs. The Holy Spirit falls on the room whether you're singing hymns or the latest Chris Tomlin song. I have seen spiritually dead congregations where they sing out of necessity, and I have seen the Holy Spirit blast a group of about twenty 8-12yr old kids. I've been a part of large worship services at Watkinsville First Baptist Church, including a live CD recording, where the Holy Spirit shows up in force. The Spirit moves us to song, to poetry, to raw emotion. I'm not saying this doesn't happen in other religions, but I personally haven't seen it. I know other religions have their ways to show their devotion, but most of the time it seems like they're saying, "I don't know what to do, so I'll do this and hope and pray you like it." whereas Christians acknowledge that Christ has already done it, and the least we could do is sing to Him. Sometimes vocal singing isn't even necessary.
I don't have much time to go truly in depth, but this is just my way of saying I love being in corporate worship sessions. Whether it's a fully-plugged in band, or one man w/ an acoustic guitar, as long as the Holy Spirit is there, it's amazing. We need to be less focused on the spectacle and more focused on the presence of God. A church body led by the Spirit is a force to be reckoned with indeed. I'm thankful for the worship leaders and singers/players in my life. You know who you are :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Friday, September 30, 2011
Abortion
Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...'" (God)
Psalm 139:13-14 - "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows this very well." (King David)
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to all the nations." (God)
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" (God)
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Paul)
Philippians 1:6 - "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus." (Paul)
These are just a few of the verses in the Bible that lead me to value human life. God has a plan for us. We need to keep in mind that there is an enemy whose sole purpose is to destroy and defame the image of God. He seeks to turn God's creation against Him. Even though this enemy is ultimately doomed, he wants to take as many people down with him as he can. He has nothing to lose because he's already lost. He is extremely dangerous. He is the father of lies. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he didn't exist". Not a biblical quote, but still dead on. There is an enemy, and I'm calling him out.
There's been a lot of uproar on Facebook about the death penalty. Convicted criminals are given quiet deaths that are as comfortable as possible. Criminals who were given trials and appeals, who have sat on death row for years. The nation watches one man die, but turns a blind eye to the genocide that is also going on in our country. Americans sit and condemn Chinese for making their genocide gender-specific while our country is indiscriminate. I know I told myself I wouldn't preach from the pulpit on this blog, but this issue has been eating me for years.
Abortion is murder. Period. Whatever the circumstances that lead to that decision, it doesn't matter. Do I sound heartless? Do I care? We're at war, people, and the enemy is slaughtering millions of us yearly. He's laughing so hard as he throws rationales at us. Some poor girl was raped and got pregnant. That is a horrible scenario. I do NOT condemn her for considering an abortion. Even if she gets an abortion, I do NOT condemn her. I condemn the sick, psycho rogue angel behind it. I condemn him who lied to her. The horrible sin of rape has already been committed, but I do NOT want this innocent victim to add murder to the list of crimes. As a Christian, it's not my job to point the finger in blame. It's my job to help her be a mother, or at least find suitable adoptive parents. First and foremost, it's my job to point her to Jesus. Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 6:12 says "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers and authorities of this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I don't battle people. I battle the lies at the source. Ultimately, this world will kill me. I won't get out alive. "I promise, we all die, and this world is crushed..." - Tedashii's "Do You Feel". Well, I feel like "reppin' Him now", Tedashii. I will be dead to this world, but alive with God for eternity. Satan will ultimately gain this whole world, right before it is destroyed, and he will spend eternity alone in eternal separation from God. I don't want another person to fall victim to the lies. I proclaim the Truth. The Truth is still the Truth even if nobody believes it.
I knew a girl personally who had had 2 abortions before I met her, and she was a wreck. I've heard stories and testimonials from women who enter a deep depression around their aborted baby's due date (birthday). I've even heard stories and testimonials from men who failed to protect their children. Abortion affects men too. Men are hard-wired by God to be protectors. If a man gets a girl pregnant at 17, encourages her to get an abortion because they're not ready, and then they get married and have a kid at 24, they still remember that they could have had a 7yr old child ready to welcome a younger sibling, but instead they killed that one. If the man failed to protect that earlier child, he will have doubts about his ability to protect this new one. Either that, or he will completely devalue this child's life. Either way, it's destructive. Everyone makes a case about why abortions are necessary, but nobody is around to defend those victims of abortion. Nobody is around to make a case for those men and women who realize they made a mistake, and want to stop others from making the same mistake. Society stifles them.
Another rationale for abortion is that the unborn fetus is just a bundle of cells, like tonsils or an appendix, that can be removed without consequences. I ask this question...why are there no counseling groups for people who are victims of a tonsilectomy? Why have I never met a man or woman completely depressed about losing their appendix? That rationale is a lie, and I denounce it as such.
Satan's murdering millions of God's image-bearers every year. Why would he want people to realize it's wrong and stop? He diverts attention from issues where he's winning onto the inhumanity of killing convicted criminals, or other issues. He will support crusades. He is the master illusionist. We humans cannot beat him. I cannot beat him. God has already beaten him. I cling to God, and His victory and protection here on Earth, and I will spend eternity with Him.
I really like Randy Alcorn's take on abortion. Look him up if you want to know more. I only know what I've heard from others, and what I have read from the Bible. If you or someone you know has had an abortion, or been affected by abortion, please understand that I am NOT condemning them. There is healing, there is forgiveness. I have my own list of sins that I need God's grace for every day. God does not condemn them either. Remember Romans 8:1, no condemnation exists for those in Christ Jesus. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:17, if you're in Christ you are a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come! Now, scars do remain. I bear deep scars from my own failures, but we will be healed. Some scars we must bear as reminders here on Earth, but with God in Heaven for eternity we will be without blemish or scar.
Satan is the Father of Lies. God is Truth. I serve God, and I'm at war against Satan. This Earth will be the death of me, but Christ is the life of me. If the Truth does not upset people then it cannot save people.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Psalm 139:13-14 - "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows this very well." (King David)
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to all the nations." (God)
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" (God)
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Paul)
Philippians 1:6 - "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus." (Paul)
These are just a few of the verses in the Bible that lead me to value human life. God has a plan for us. We need to keep in mind that there is an enemy whose sole purpose is to destroy and defame the image of God. He seeks to turn God's creation against Him. Even though this enemy is ultimately doomed, he wants to take as many people down with him as he can. He has nothing to lose because he's already lost. He is extremely dangerous. He is the father of lies. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he didn't exist". Not a biblical quote, but still dead on. There is an enemy, and I'm calling him out.
There's been a lot of uproar on Facebook about the death penalty. Convicted criminals are given quiet deaths that are as comfortable as possible. Criminals who were given trials and appeals, who have sat on death row for years. The nation watches one man die, but turns a blind eye to the genocide that is also going on in our country. Americans sit and condemn Chinese for making their genocide gender-specific while our country is indiscriminate. I know I told myself I wouldn't preach from the pulpit on this blog, but this issue has been eating me for years.
Abortion is murder. Period. Whatever the circumstances that lead to that decision, it doesn't matter. Do I sound heartless? Do I care? We're at war, people, and the enemy is slaughtering millions of us yearly. He's laughing so hard as he throws rationales at us. Some poor girl was raped and got pregnant. That is a horrible scenario. I do NOT condemn her for considering an abortion. Even if she gets an abortion, I do NOT condemn her. I condemn the sick, psycho rogue angel behind it. I condemn him who lied to her. The horrible sin of rape has already been committed, but I do NOT want this innocent victim to add murder to the list of crimes. As a Christian, it's not my job to point the finger in blame. It's my job to help her be a mother, or at least find suitable adoptive parents. First and foremost, it's my job to point her to Jesus. Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 6:12 says "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers and authorities of this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I don't battle people. I battle the lies at the source. Ultimately, this world will kill me. I won't get out alive. "I promise, we all die, and this world is crushed..." - Tedashii's "Do You Feel". Well, I feel like "reppin' Him now", Tedashii. I will be dead to this world, but alive with God for eternity. Satan will ultimately gain this whole world, right before it is destroyed, and he will spend eternity alone in eternal separation from God. I don't want another person to fall victim to the lies. I proclaim the Truth. The Truth is still the Truth even if nobody believes it.
I knew a girl personally who had had 2 abortions before I met her, and she was a wreck. I've heard stories and testimonials from women who enter a deep depression around their aborted baby's due date (birthday). I've even heard stories and testimonials from men who failed to protect their children. Abortion affects men too. Men are hard-wired by God to be protectors. If a man gets a girl pregnant at 17, encourages her to get an abortion because they're not ready, and then they get married and have a kid at 24, they still remember that they could have had a 7yr old child ready to welcome a younger sibling, but instead they killed that one. If the man failed to protect that earlier child, he will have doubts about his ability to protect this new one. Either that, or he will completely devalue this child's life. Either way, it's destructive. Everyone makes a case about why abortions are necessary, but nobody is around to defend those victims of abortion. Nobody is around to make a case for those men and women who realize they made a mistake, and want to stop others from making the same mistake. Society stifles them.
Another rationale for abortion is that the unborn fetus is just a bundle of cells, like tonsils or an appendix, that can be removed without consequences. I ask this question...why are there no counseling groups for people who are victims of a tonsilectomy? Why have I never met a man or woman completely depressed about losing their appendix? That rationale is a lie, and I denounce it as such.
Satan's murdering millions of God's image-bearers every year. Why would he want people to realize it's wrong and stop? He diverts attention from issues where he's winning onto the inhumanity of killing convicted criminals, or other issues. He will support crusades. He is the master illusionist. We humans cannot beat him. I cannot beat him. God has already beaten him. I cling to God, and His victory and protection here on Earth, and I will spend eternity with Him.
I really like Randy Alcorn's take on abortion. Look him up if you want to know more. I only know what I've heard from others, and what I have read from the Bible. If you or someone you know has had an abortion, or been affected by abortion, please understand that I am NOT condemning them. There is healing, there is forgiveness. I have my own list of sins that I need God's grace for every day. God does not condemn them either. Remember Romans 8:1, no condemnation exists for those in Christ Jesus. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:17, if you're in Christ you are a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come! Now, scars do remain. I bear deep scars from my own failures, but we will be healed. Some scars we must bear as reminders here on Earth, but with God in Heaven for eternity we will be without blemish or scar.
Satan is the Father of Lies. God is Truth. I serve God, and I'm at war against Satan. This Earth will be the death of me, but Christ is the life of me. If the Truth does not upset people then it cannot save people.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Heaven and Hell
"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. (2 Peter 2:4-10 ESV)
Make no mistake, God punishes sin. And since we've all sinned (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) then we all deserve to die. We declared war on God when we decided in Eden that we didn't need Him anymore. We figured we could do things on our own. "Claiming to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22). We decide we do not need or want God here on Earth, so He does not force Himself on us for eternity. That is Hell. Hell is eternal separation from God. If you don't want God on Earth, you don't have to have Him in eternity. That is your choice. God does not send people to Hell, people choose Hell.
On the flip side, God in His steadfast love prepared a way for us to re-enter His presence. Since sin is punishable by death, and sin entered the world through one man (Adam), God sent His Son Jesus to live the life we could not live, and die the death we should have died, to take the punishment for sin so that through one Man (Jesus) we could have life. (It's all Romans 5). Heaven is the presence of God. If we seek God here on Earth, He promises we'll be with Him for eternity.
God is not a rapist. He won't force Himself on you. Consider these words from God Himself:
"Who then is he who can stand before Me? Who has first given to Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine." (Job 41:10-11 ESV) I could quote more Scripture (Romans 6 mostly), but I am tired.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Make no mistake, God punishes sin. And since we've all sinned (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) then we all deserve to die. We declared war on God when we decided in Eden that we didn't need Him anymore. We figured we could do things on our own. "Claiming to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22). We decide we do not need or want God here on Earth, so He does not force Himself on us for eternity. That is Hell. Hell is eternal separation from God. If you don't want God on Earth, you don't have to have Him in eternity. That is your choice. God does not send people to Hell, people choose Hell.
On the flip side, God in His steadfast love prepared a way for us to re-enter His presence. Since sin is punishable by death, and sin entered the world through one man (Adam), God sent His Son Jesus to live the life we could not live, and die the death we should have died, to take the punishment for sin so that through one Man (Jesus) we could have life. (It's all Romans 5). Heaven is the presence of God. If we seek God here on Earth, He promises we'll be with Him for eternity.
God is not a rapist. He won't force Himself on you. Consider these words from God Himself:
"Who then is he who can stand before Me? Who has first given to Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine." (Job 41:10-11 ESV) I could quote more Scripture (Romans 6 mostly), but I am tired.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Judgment and Salvation
Woo! I have something spiritual to write about! In Sunday School this morning, General Vic preached on Exodus 14 where Moses parted the Red Sea. The point of judgment for the Egyptians was also the point of salvation for the Hebrews. It was a baptism. Baptism is more than water, it is the point of judgment and salvation. Salvation comes by passing through judgment. You are saved from that judgment. The judgment is from God since God is the holy and perfect Judge. At the Red Sea, God judged Egypt and saved Israel. At the Cross, God judged Jesus for all of our sins, and saved us. The crazy thing is, a lot of the Hebrews didn't want to be saved. They wanted to go back to slavery because at least they were familiar with it. Romans 8:15 says that we were not given a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. My desires to sin, my decisions to let my armor fall, are not of the Spirit. No, I have the Spirit of adoption by which I cry out "Abba! Father!" I'm reminded of the song lyrics, "I know I wanna sin, but, dawg, I'm born again!" (I love Christian Rap). Yet, I still sin...I still sprint back to what enslaves me. Like a dog returning to its vomit, and a pig returning to roll in the mud, I am still a depraved fool. I should only desire God, yet I desire other things. All that I do deserves judgment. I am guilty. Before God, I am guilty. I stand accused and found guilty. God is a holy and good Judge, and I deserve death. I deserve to be drowned, just like those Egyptians were. But then in steps Jesus! Like the Israelite former slaves I follow the Messiah through the judgment of death into the salvation of life. Though I did not want it, though I did not even know I wanted it, though I didn't even know I could be saved, I am saved! There is salvation. There is adoption. God saved me for a purpose. The story did not end on the other side of the sea. It began. The Promised Land awaits, and I need the purification of this earthly wilderness. Sanctification is a slow process. Romans 8:29 says I am being conformed to the image of Christ. That will take forever for me! Fortunately, I have forever :) After the Hebrews passed through the sea, they stood on the beach strewn with Egyptian bodies and they worshiped God by telling Him what He did for them. They glorified Him in an emotional narrative. Worship is a narrative. It tells what God has done, and shows faith that He will do what He promised He will do. This blog is my act of worship. It is a narrative. It is not lessened by the lack of music to accompany it. Amen.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
His Grace Is Sufficient
It's been over 2 weeks since I've updated this blog :( I've been caught in the routine of class, work, church and sleep. Really, my life hasn't been very noteworthy of late. I've had no drastic spiritual revelations that make me run to the nearest hilltop to shout out. Mainly, I've been just grinding it out one-on-one with God. I've been faced with my own depravity, and just craving His grace. Also, I've been walking/jogging/running every weekday for the past few weeks. Today I ran a total of 1800yds, which is a little over a mile. The farthest I have run without stopping was 660yds yesterday. I started off walking, then upped the intensity. I seriously could not have done this on my own. God led me to ask UGA's Strength and Conditioning Coach for help, and he's been a huge help. Seriously, one of the reasons I have hated myself is that I did not continue with the diet/exercise program I started as a freshman in 2004. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would do my best to stick with it. Seriously, I could be a super stud right now :( Once again, I'm confronted with my own depravity, but there is grace. I've kept with the exercise for weeks, and I'm committed to it. The diet is harder since I developed terrible eating habits at an early age. Once again, there is grace. Slowly but surely I am improving. Satan would rather me just sit on the sidelines. I went through and re-read some of my journal entries, and I said something along the lines of "I've always been a sideline manager, but God wants me to be a lineman." LoL. His strength is perfected in my weakness. I want to remain humble, and learn humility, but I don't want that humility to become self-loathing. I'm glad I'm running because I have to completely beg God for that next breath, that next step. I have to do it for something higher than myself, or else I'd just quit. I have quit in the past. So, physically, I'm on the right track. It's a slow process for me though. Everyone has an opinion about the best way to lose weight and get in shape, but ultimately I have to do what's comfortable to me.
I learned what God meant when He said "if you present your offering to the Lord, but remember that you hold a grudge against another person, leave your offering and go make peace with that person." I had to do that yesterday. Once again, I'm glad there is grace. I felt a lot better, and my buddy and I were able to go to the Tate Center last night and have Gospel conversations with two guys. One was Hindu, and the other was raised Christian, but is of the mindset now that there are many paths to salvation. Ultimately, there is one God who created everything. Man rebelled against God and earned eternal separation from Him by doing so. God sent His only Son Jesus to bridge the gap again so that we could have fellowship with Him. We can't do anything to earn salvation. People try to climb Mt. Olympus to see the gods, but my God humbled Himself and came for me because He loves me. He's not an impersonal deity. I could write more on the subject, but I don't want to write a book just yet. There are a lot of topics I want to address: Heaven & Hell, Abortion, Election, Eternal Salvation, Baptism, Communion, etc. but this blog isn't about me climbing on a soapbox and preaching. It's about what God's doing in my life.
I read a passage in 2 Chronicles 18 yesterday where 400 or so prophets told Ahab, king of Israel, that it was okay for him to go to war...basically, they were yes-men...but one prophet spoke truth from the Lord about the king's imminent destruction. That prophet (Micaiah) was imprisoned pending the king's safe arrival from the battle. Micaiah told him "if you return unharmed, then the Lord has not spoken through me." Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, teamed up against Syria for this particular battle. Ahab disguised himself, but told Jehoshaphat to wear his kingly robes. Ahab hoped to remain inconspicuous while offering Jehoshaphat up as a prime target. Indeed, the Syrians focused their attack on the king, but when they realized it wasn't Ahab they backed off. And then one random Syrian fired a random arrow from his bow, and it struck the disguised Ahab in a weak spot in his armor. By the end of the day he was dead. God does not play around. I want to be like Micaiah. I want to boldly proclaim the Truth even when people command me to lie. I want to be able to say, "As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” (2 Chron. 18:13) It's funny how I just randomly opened my Bible to that page yesterday, and decided to read. It's what I needed to hear. I am imperfect. Indeed, I am a wretch. My credentials are unimpressive, but God can still use me. I just want to be humbly bold. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? With God, all things are possible.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
I learned what God meant when He said "if you present your offering to the Lord, but remember that you hold a grudge against another person, leave your offering and go make peace with that person." I had to do that yesterday. Once again, I'm glad there is grace. I felt a lot better, and my buddy and I were able to go to the Tate Center last night and have Gospel conversations with two guys. One was Hindu, and the other was raised Christian, but is of the mindset now that there are many paths to salvation. Ultimately, there is one God who created everything. Man rebelled against God and earned eternal separation from Him by doing so. God sent His only Son Jesus to bridge the gap again so that we could have fellowship with Him. We can't do anything to earn salvation. People try to climb Mt. Olympus to see the gods, but my God humbled Himself and came for me because He loves me. He's not an impersonal deity. I could write more on the subject, but I don't want to write a book just yet. There are a lot of topics I want to address: Heaven & Hell, Abortion, Election, Eternal Salvation, Baptism, Communion, etc. but this blog isn't about me climbing on a soapbox and preaching. It's about what God's doing in my life.
I read a passage in 2 Chronicles 18 yesterday where 400 or so prophets told Ahab, king of Israel, that it was okay for him to go to war...basically, they were yes-men...but one prophet spoke truth from the Lord about the king's imminent destruction. That prophet (Micaiah) was imprisoned pending the king's safe arrival from the battle. Micaiah told him "if you return unharmed, then the Lord has not spoken through me." Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, teamed up against Syria for this particular battle. Ahab disguised himself, but told Jehoshaphat to wear his kingly robes. Ahab hoped to remain inconspicuous while offering Jehoshaphat up as a prime target. Indeed, the Syrians focused their attack on the king, but when they realized it wasn't Ahab they backed off. And then one random Syrian fired a random arrow from his bow, and it struck the disguised Ahab in a weak spot in his armor. By the end of the day he was dead. God does not play around. I want to be like Micaiah. I want to boldly proclaim the Truth even when people command me to lie. I want to be able to say, "As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.” (2 Chron. 18:13) It's funny how I just randomly opened my Bible to that page yesterday, and decided to read. It's what I needed to hear. I am imperfect. Indeed, I am a wretch. My credentials are unimpressive, but God can still use me. I just want to be humbly bold. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? With God, all things are possible.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Sunday, August 28, 2011
26
Well, my "give-a-damn" is busted. I had a rough week, plus I contracted a cold. I had a lot of prayer time, and God stayed with me through it all. I turned 26 this past Tuesday, and I had an identity crisis. I hope it's not a mid-life crisis because I'd like to live past 52. I began exercising during my lunch hour, and I changed up my diet. It's been going well. I feel a lot better about myself, and I lost 3lbs this week. I'm eating less, not drinking soda, and drinking more water. Things are going well. I pray I can stick with it. It was a fairly eventful week. I had a good birthday up until right before Fight Club, and that kind of soured me the rest of the week. I just didn't know where I fit anymore. I had my 8th grade guys that I lead, but I got moved to 6th grade guys instead, so I had to deal with that. Now I'm pretty excited to see what God has in store. I do not like change, and it takes me a while to get used to it, but eventually I jump on board completely. I can be a jerk, and I don't like it :( If I've been a jerk to you, I sincerely apologize. Feel free to talk to me about it. What I've learned through it all is that I'm really not worth anything. Seriously, I'm just a pile of dust that God saw fit to breathe life into, and for some reason He loves me. I say I want to serve God and serve others, but when I feel Him call me I am the first to offer a list of excuses. I'm glad He will use me despite me. My spirit really wants to serve Him, but my flesh is holding on for dear life. My flesh doesn't want to die. I'm called to die to myself daily, pick up my cross and follow Christ. I am completely removed from the equation. Any status or reputation I gain is laid at the foot of His throne. One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Prince Caspian where Aslan tells Lucy that things never happen the same way twice. This year is different, not worse. I can get excited about the new things to come, the new horizons. I'm in a fantastic youth group, and I get to lead fantastic kids. I am in a pretty neat small group with a lot of newbies to get to know. I have people who care about me. Things will go well. I have to just re-root my identity in Christ and claim the joy of my salvation. I had a week off, but I'm back :) I pray He blesses this coming week. He must increase, and I must decrease.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Shadows
Given the recent discussions on this blog, and recent struggles I've been going through in my life, this song has been running through my mind for 3 days. It's "Shadows" by The David Crowder Band, plus a bridge section from Christian rapper Lecrae. It pretty much sums it all up for me. I wish I could have seen this performed live :(
(CROWDER)
Life is full of light and shadows
Oh, the joy, and oh, the sorrow
Oh, the sorrow
And yet will He bring dark to light
And yet will He bring day from night
When the shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When all seems lost
When we're thrown and we're tossed
We'll remember the cost
We're resting in the shadow of the cross
(LECRAE)
With every breath I take, every heartbeat
Sunrise, and the moonlight in the dark street
Every glance, every dance, every note of a song
All a gift undeserved that I shouldn't have known
Every moment I lie, every moment I covet
I'm deserving to die; I'm earning Your judgment
Without the cross there's only condemnation
If Jesus wasn't executed there's no celebration
So, in times that are good, in times that are bad
For any time I've had at all, I will be glad
And I will boast in the cross, I'll boast in His name
I will boast in the sunshine, boast in His reign
What's my life if it's not praising You?
Another dollar in my bank account of vain pursuit
I do not count my life as any value, precious at all
Let me finish my race, let me answer Your call
There are 31 verses that go with this song. I copied the references off of a YouTube video. You know how I try to back everything up with Scripture? Here we go:
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
(CROWDER)
Life is full of light and shadows
Oh, the joy, and oh, the sorrow
Oh, the sorrow
And yet will He bring dark to light
And yet will He bring day from night
When the shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When all seems lost
When we're thrown and we're tossed
We'll remember the cost
We're resting in the shadow of the cross
(LECRAE)
With every breath I take, every heartbeat
Sunrise, and the moonlight in the dark street
Every glance, every dance, every note of a song
All a gift undeserved that I shouldn't have known
Every moment I lie, every moment I covet
I'm deserving to die; I'm earning Your judgment
Without the cross there's only condemnation
If Jesus wasn't executed there's no celebration
So, in times that are good, in times that are bad
For any time I've had at all, I will be glad
And I will boast in the cross, I'll boast in His name
I will boast in the sunshine, boast in His reign
What's my life if it's not praising You?
Another dollar in my bank account of vain pursuit
I do not count my life as any value, precious at all
Let me finish my race, let me answer Your call
There are 31 verses that go with this song. I copied the references off of a YouTube video. You know how I try to back everything up with Scripture? Here we go:
- "Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!" (Psalm 105:4 ESV)
- "The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land." (Proverbs 10:30 ESV)
- "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2 ESV)
- "He was despised and rejected by men; a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:3-4 ESV; Isaiah 53 is about Jesus...several centuries before He even lived.)
- "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 ESV; This verse is one of the reasons my blog is titled "Sticks and Stones".)
- "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, merciful, and righteous." (Psalm 112:4 ESV)
- "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24 ESV)
- "Ah, you who hide deep from the LORD your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?”" (Isaiah 29:15 ESV)
- "...and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster." (Joel 2:13 ESV)
- "If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." (Proverbs 3:24 ESV)
- [Those were just from the Old Testament, kids! The Old Testament points to Jesus and tells us why we need Him.]
- "Then He [Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”" (Luke 9:20 ESV)
- "The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12 ESV)
- "I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day." (2 Timothy 1:3 ESV)
- "And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”" (Luke 23:34 ESV)
- "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5 ESV)
- "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2 ESV; I still have Romans 8 memorized.)
- "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14 ESV)
- "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14 ESV)
- "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”" (John 3:20-21 ESV)
- "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV)
- "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 ESV; also, Isaiah 9:2 above. I love how it all fits!)
- "He [John the Baptist] was not the light, but came to bear witness about the Light [Jesus]." (John 1:8 ESV)
- "I in them and You [God the Father] in Me [Jesus, God the Son], that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me." (John 17:23 ESV)
- "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV)
- "And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17 ESV)
- "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10 ESV)
- "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12 ESV; also, John 3:36)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
How Could A Loving God Allow Bad Things To Happen?
This post deals with something I've wanted to write about since I started the blog. Also, I'm no theologian, so it won't be as in-depth as it could be. This is also in response to Bender's response to my belief that God blessed me with a parking permit. The whole thing can be read at: http://marmonax.blogspot.com/2011/08/on-little-things.html?showComment=1313533799996#c1637638238965752750
I can see how Bender is upset because there are far bigger problems in the world than my getting a parking permit. My whole point in saying what I said was to highlight how I get so caught up in expecting God to work huge miracles (like fire from Heaven or parting the Red Sea) that I miss out on the little blessings. I had to remind myself that God created everything perfect. He created Earth and Eden. He created Man, saw that Man was lonely, so He created Woman. Everything God created was good. God wants to fellowship with me.
The story begins in Genesis with Him hanging out with Man, and ends in Revelation where He will establish His throne with us:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away'. And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:3-5 ESV)
The story is that Man disobeyed God. He essentially declared war on God. I have declared war on God. We have all declared war on God. Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." But then Romans 3:24 continues, "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus". So, there is bad news, but there is also good news. We will be healed. If we are in Christ, then we can have the relationship with God that we lost so long ago. We may not be healed on this earth though. This earth is heading for destruction. There is still sin in this world. God will make all things new. I don't know what my CP cousin is thinking, because he cannot communicate, but I've told him about this healing. If we stop fighting God, we can fellowship with Him. If someone declares war on me (and continually spits in my face), it would be hard for me to forgive them, let alone live with them. I am not God though. I don't know why He loves me, but He does. And He loves you too.
Also, if God is a good God then why is there evil in the world? Well, if we want God to end evil in the world, which evil are we talking about? Sure, we'd like to end murder, rape, etc. We'd like God to not allow bad things like birth defects, or health complications. I mean, why does bad stuff happen right? In reality, we can't pick and choose what evil we want God to handle because He is a holy God and cannot tolerate any evil at all. The only way we can approach Him is because of Jesus' sacrifice. He paid the debt He did not owe; the debt we could not pay. Lying, cheating, evil thoughts, all of those should be punished. "What you thought last night deserves a first class flight to Hell where God doesn't dwell" - Lecrae. If we say God should end all of the bad stuff in the world, then we're all doomed. There is a Hope, though. There is a Redeemer. We will be healed.
And yes, Bender, I do need to lose weight. I only have one life, and I don't want it to end because of me. It's something I struggle with daily, and I won't go into detail here. I am sorry about your brother. My CP cousin Philip is awesome, and I wish he could communicate with me. I have questions in my life too, like why did my 5-yr old cousin have to die in a car accident? And other questions...I am in no way saying that if you accept Christ you will have everything you need and nothing bad will happen to you. Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The story doesn't end with our problems today. The tomb is empty, the throne is occupied. I will continue to stand on Scripture because it's what I base my belief on. I will try to back everything up with it as well. I hope we can continue to communicate, Bender. I've already lost one dear friend, and I would hate to lose you; however, if I claim to believe something like this I can't just shelve it when it's inconvenient. God doesn't say "deal with it", He says "let Me help you learn it". I could keep writing pages and pages, but this is the gist of it. I'm praying for you and your brother.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
I can see how Bender is upset because there are far bigger problems in the world than my getting a parking permit. My whole point in saying what I said was to highlight how I get so caught up in expecting God to work huge miracles (like fire from Heaven or parting the Red Sea) that I miss out on the little blessings. I had to remind myself that God created everything perfect. He created Earth and Eden. He created Man, saw that Man was lonely, so He created Woman. Everything God created was good. God wants to fellowship with me.
The story begins in Genesis with Him hanging out with Man, and ends in Revelation where He will establish His throne with us:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away'. And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:3-5 ESV)
The story is that Man disobeyed God. He essentially declared war on God. I have declared war on God. We have all declared war on God. Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." But then Romans 3:24 continues, "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus". So, there is bad news, but there is also good news. We will be healed. If we are in Christ, then we can have the relationship with God that we lost so long ago. We may not be healed on this earth though. This earth is heading for destruction. There is still sin in this world. God will make all things new. I don't know what my CP cousin is thinking, because he cannot communicate, but I've told him about this healing. If we stop fighting God, we can fellowship with Him. If someone declares war on me (and continually spits in my face), it would be hard for me to forgive them, let alone live with them. I am not God though. I don't know why He loves me, but He does. And He loves you too.
Also, if God is a good God then why is there evil in the world? Well, if we want God to end evil in the world, which evil are we talking about? Sure, we'd like to end murder, rape, etc. We'd like God to not allow bad things like birth defects, or health complications. I mean, why does bad stuff happen right? In reality, we can't pick and choose what evil we want God to handle because He is a holy God and cannot tolerate any evil at all. The only way we can approach Him is because of Jesus' sacrifice. He paid the debt He did not owe; the debt we could not pay. Lying, cheating, evil thoughts, all of those should be punished. "What you thought last night deserves a first class flight to Hell where God doesn't dwell" - Lecrae. If we say God should end all of the bad stuff in the world, then we're all doomed. There is a Hope, though. There is a Redeemer. We will be healed.
And yes, Bender, I do need to lose weight. I only have one life, and I don't want it to end because of me. It's something I struggle with daily, and I won't go into detail here. I am sorry about your brother. My CP cousin Philip is awesome, and I wish he could communicate with me. I have questions in my life too, like why did my 5-yr old cousin have to die in a car accident? And other questions...I am in no way saying that if you accept Christ you will have everything you need and nothing bad will happen to you. Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The story doesn't end with our problems today. The tomb is empty, the throne is occupied. I will continue to stand on Scripture because it's what I base my belief on. I will try to back everything up with it as well. I hope we can continue to communicate, Bender. I've already lost one dear friend, and I would hate to lose you; however, if I claim to believe something like this I can't just shelve it when it's inconvenient. God doesn't say "deal with it", He says "let Me help you learn it". I could keep writing pages and pages, but this is the gist of it. I'm praying for you and your brother.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Friday, August 12, 2011
Gettin' Hitched
I hate weddings.
That being said, I've had fun at the last 3 I've been to :) God used the wedding of my friends David and Ellie to help me grow closer to Him in May 2009. He laid my wife on my heart after that. Then my sister got married a year, to the day, after in May 2010 to my friend Andrew. Their blog should be linked from mine. He's a good brother-in-law, and I'm glad she married him. I had fun at the reception too. I 'danced' a bit. I can't dance, and I'm horribly self-conscious, but sometimes I just don't care. Jason DeRulo will be played at my wedding reception. I'm going to have to convince my wife to let our first dance be to "In My Head" LoL. Either that, or I'll have to get in shape and learn the dance :P I may do the latter one and just sing it to her. Chris Brown's "Forever" is on my list too. Jason DeRulo is the soundtrack to my last 3 years. Tonight's wedding was for my friends Jon and Katie Alligood. I wish them well. The wedding was nice. I'd never been to the Botanical Gardens, and I've lived in Athens for 7 years. It rained, so we packed the reception room. Still, it doesn't matter. Jon and Katie are married. It's been a long time coming :) I'm happy for them.
I say that weddings suck because it reminds me how single I am. As I think about it though, I think for once in my life I'm finally glad I'm single. It's nice not having someone fully dependent on me. If I'm honest with myself, I couldn't support someone right now anyway. Once I get my Masters and have a job with a steady income for a year or so, and save up some money, then maybe. I'll only be like 28 by then, so it's not too bad. A lot of my friends have married young, some are already divorced :(, and they have their own lists of struggles. Still, they have each other. It's not good for Man to be alone, that's why God created Woman. Also still, some of the greatest Christians were single. So, really, I shouldn't worry about it either way, and just focus on my mission in life right now. I must do my job, make one last A at UGA, find an internship that could lead to a job, and move from there. If God chooses to bless me along the way, so be it. I know I'm not perfect, but I know I'll love her completely. As for tonight, God bless Jon and Katie Alligood :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
That being said, I've had fun at the last 3 I've been to :) God used the wedding of my friends David and Ellie to help me grow closer to Him in May 2009. He laid my wife on my heart after that. Then my sister got married a year, to the day, after in May 2010 to my friend Andrew. Their blog should be linked from mine. He's a good brother-in-law, and I'm glad she married him. I had fun at the reception too. I 'danced' a bit. I can't dance, and I'm horribly self-conscious, but sometimes I just don't care. Jason DeRulo will be played at my wedding reception. I'm going to have to convince my wife to let our first dance be to "In My Head" LoL. Either that, or I'll have to get in shape and learn the dance :P I may do the latter one and just sing it to her. Chris Brown's "Forever" is on my list too. Jason DeRulo is the soundtrack to my last 3 years. Tonight's wedding was for my friends Jon and Katie Alligood. I wish them well. The wedding was nice. I'd never been to the Botanical Gardens, and I've lived in Athens for 7 years. It rained, so we packed the reception room. Still, it doesn't matter. Jon and Katie are married. It's been a long time coming :) I'm happy for them.
I say that weddings suck because it reminds me how single I am. As I think about it though, I think for once in my life I'm finally glad I'm single. It's nice not having someone fully dependent on me. If I'm honest with myself, I couldn't support someone right now anyway. Once I get my Masters and have a job with a steady income for a year or so, and save up some money, then maybe. I'll only be like 28 by then, so it's not too bad. A lot of my friends have married young, some are already divorced :(, and they have their own lists of struggles. Still, they have each other. It's not good for Man to be alone, that's why God created Woman. Also still, some of the greatest Christians were single. So, really, I shouldn't worry about it either way, and just focus on my mission in life right now. I must do my job, make one last A at UGA, find an internship that could lead to a job, and move from there. If God chooses to bless me along the way, so be it. I know I'm not perfect, but I know I'll love her completely. As for tonight, God bless Jon and Katie Alligood :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Community
No, the title doesn't refer to the TV show (though it's one of my favorites). We talked about what it means to have a Church community on Sunday. In Acts 2, the believers sold all of their possessions, used the proceeds to help the needy, and just did life together. We'd call them Communists, but with Christ at the head it was in its purer form. Somewhere along the lines, it got skewed. It became about wealth, control, huge cathedrals, etc. We still have huge cathedrals today. I grew up in a large church. Watkinsville First Baptist is probably a "medium" compared to Athens Church or Prince Avenue Baptist, but I love it. David Platt mentions in his book Radical that today it would be interesting if churches determined success not by how many people they bring in, but by how many people they send out. I got to thinking about that. I love WFBC. I look up to the leaders, walk alongside my Fight Club brothers, pour into the Underground boys, etc. I'm a part of a community. Sure, I still feel like I'm on the fringes, but I have begun to feel more accepted in the ranks. All of this is happening at a time where I think a move to another state is in my future :( So, if I move I will have to find a whole new community. I know God will provide, but it will be hard if I have to move. I don't take this as an excuse to slack off and back away. Just the opposite. I see this as an opportunity to "leave it all on the field" so to speak. So, for those of you WFBC people reading this, you've got all of me. If you need my truck to help you move, I'll do it (I've done it). If I can be there for you, I will be. If God does take me out of Athens in December, I want Him to have to drag me away because I've got nothing left in me. I saw this blog has reached 600 views. I know most of those are mine, since it counts every time I post something, or look at posts...and maybe the other views are all from my family and Bender...but I'm still here for you. Thank you for being my community.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Silent Neutrality
Yes, I know it's been a long time since I last posted. I will attempt to explain my lapse. A few weeks ago I fell into a state of what I called "silent neutrality". By that I mean the Holy Spirit was silent, and I was at a neutral point in life. I read His Word, and I prayed constantly, but I didn't hear anything. It's been my prayer since I got my journal, and started this blog, that He would lead me by His Spirit to write down circumstances in my life where I could point a finger directly to Him. Aside from having a part-time job and finishing up my class, I really didn't have anything noteworthy to write about. I still thanked Him for what I have, and for His protection. I began to wonder what I was doing wrong, if anything, aside from the normal sins that I'm fighting. I assumed a legalistic mindset, as I'm prone to do. I started thinking that I should kill all sin in my life in order to hear the Spirit again. I had confessed everything and cleared the airwaves, but still didn't hear anything. Through it all I heard God whisper to me one day "Pursue Me". So, my prayer became "Show me how to pursue You." It's like that in any relationship. For us guys, we're expected to pursue. We spoke a few weeks ago at our college meeting that guys have no clue how to passionately pursue a woman. That is the truth, and we also have no idea how to passionately pursue God. Now, He doesn't stop pursuing us, so sometimes all we have to do is stop running from Him and let Him catch up. Other times, He hides Himself so that we can grow in our seeking Him. Last week God gave me some minor blessings that weren't earth-shattering, but in the midst of my searching He highlighted them. That revelation made me go "oh!" and praise Him. One of them was just getting a parking permit for the most exclusive lot on campus :) I thought I was on a waiting list for my 3rd choice of parking lot, so I just gave it to God and a few minutes later I got an e-mail saying I had a permit for my 1st choice. That's all to His glory right there. See, minor; hardly noteworthy to some, but it helped me to refocus. Last week at our college group we talked about finding our mission. I've been curious as to what my mission for the Kingdom is. I know I have the gift of Service and the gift of Encouragement, so I've been praying that I would have more opportunities to serve and encourage. I had the opportunity to leave work early Friday, and I had plans, but I felt that I had a 'mission' and a 'duty' to do my job. I canceled my plans and finished a full day. My life may not be epic, but it is part of the greatest epic. I need to stop trying to fit God and His Word into my life and start fitting my life into His Word. My life is barely a blip in the grand scheme of eternity, so why should I try to focus on myself? Whatever my mission is, I do it for His glory and not for my own. Sometimes we have to be "glordinary", or glory in the ordinary. I have to be a good steward with what He gives me to show myself responsible enough for more. I am not perfect. I am a wretch. Still, He chooses to use me, and to the best of my ability I will pursue Him.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Winter is Coming
The foreboding words of House Stark: "Winter Is Coming". They carry the meaning that life will not always be sunshine and roses, and that preparation for hard times is needed.
I've been reading in Acts about the early church. All of the Apostles, except John, were killed for preaching Jesus. Killed for talking and healing people. Jesus Himself was crucified for talking and healing people. The establishment didn't like it, but if Jesus' teachings were false then why kill Him? Why not just denounce Him as a lunatic and ignore Him? And, not only that, if His teachings were false, and He was killed and stayed dead, why did these Apostles die claiming He had resurrected and that He was the Way? I agree w/ Gemaliel in Acts who advised his religious colleagues to ignore the Apostles because they would eventually go away if Jesus were false, but if Jesus were true then opposing the Apostles would be opposing God! Gemaliel was a member of the religious authority in that time. I am not an Apologist. I make no claims at wisdom. I just simply state why I believe what I believe. The sacrifices of these Apostles, the complete changes seen in them as well as Paul, speak volumes to me. I don't want to suffer, yet I'm called to pick up my cross and follow Jesus. Jesus was brutally murdered. That is my standard. I don't want to suffer. I don't want to die. I want to live peacefully and die old and gray surrounded by grandchildren. Here in America the greatest persecution I face right now is rejection. My life is not at stake. Will I still boldly claim Christ with a gun in my face? I can only hope, but I do not know. Winter is coming...
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
I've been reading in Acts about the early church. All of the Apostles, except John, were killed for preaching Jesus. Killed for talking and healing people. Jesus Himself was crucified for talking and healing people. The establishment didn't like it, but if Jesus' teachings were false then why kill Him? Why not just denounce Him as a lunatic and ignore Him? And, not only that, if His teachings were false, and He was killed and stayed dead, why did these Apostles die claiming He had resurrected and that He was the Way? I agree w/ Gemaliel in Acts who advised his religious colleagues to ignore the Apostles because they would eventually go away if Jesus were false, but if Jesus were true then opposing the Apostles would be opposing God! Gemaliel was a member of the religious authority in that time. I am not an Apologist. I make no claims at wisdom. I just simply state why I believe what I believe. The sacrifices of these Apostles, the complete changes seen in them as well as Paul, speak volumes to me. I don't want to suffer, yet I'm called to pick up my cross and follow Jesus. Jesus was brutally murdered. That is my standard. I don't want to suffer. I don't want to die. I want to live peacefully and die old and gray surrounded by grandchildren. Here in America the greatest persecution I face right now is rejection. My life is not at stake. Will I still boldly claim Christ with a gun in my face? I can only hope, but I do not know. Winter is coming...
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
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