The Chronicles of John Mike

An Technological River Crossing

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:45:14 -0400

Typically, entries as such do not entice myself to post onto this site. This on the other hand was something that was fundamental which would change how computing was achieved in my life. Ever since I was in Pre-K, I was attracted to the computer specifically PC’s. The time was around 1993 or 1994 and MS-DOS was still supreme. Sure, you had Macs around but no one really used Macs because of their limited selection of software and compatibility. As I was going into Kindergarten, an revolution took place known as Windows 95. Little did I know that this was the beginning of a long relationship.

PC’s immediately became my life. I remember the various releases of Windows over the years and had always relied upon PCs for my computing needs. However, for myself and others we began to question the practicality of PCs as well as the friendliness of the UI and the ease of use. In 2006, a turning point took place known as Windows Vista. It has since been dubbed the worse release of an OS that Microsoft (or even perhaps any other company) had ever fulfilled. The OS was met with much negativity and critique. In effect, it caused numerous people to cross the river to purchase a Mac.

I was still on the PC bandwagon and in 2007 purchased a HP Pavilion laptop. For that time, it was a top of the line PC that shipped with Windows Vista which I upgraded to Windows 7 in 2009-10. I was still on the PC bandwagon but things began to change. I found myself becoming bored, frustrated, and even confused at times with the placement of adjusting certain options found within the OS. I was longing for the days of Windows XP which came out in 2001 (sidenote: a lot of businesses still use XP presently). XP was simple, but it did have its typical issues of not handling loads well and causing certain programs crash frequently.

Fast forward to 2013. On June 15th, my HP laptop took a noise dive and crashed with flames of glory. I was able to salvage a lot of my content, but was left with a useless 6 year old laptop. Instead of fixing the machine, I decided to purchase a new computer. So, I began considering my options and this is where I noticed a fundamental shift in my mindset. I, for the first time since Pre-K, was considering another platform for computing other than Windows. I was considering purchasing a Mac.

During my PC craze days, I hated the Mac. I touted how the PC was supreme and for many years it appeared to be true. But not in 2013. Microsoft has had multiple “insert foot in mouth” moments which has continually pushed users and businesses alike away from the former computing powerhouse company. Perhaps their biggest “flop” is Windows 8. The OS was designed bearing tablets in mind, but there was an issue or two. This tablet-geared OS was being installed on laptops and desktops alike appearing almost as if it was a child’s play thing. The maturity, simplicity, and usability of the OS was virtually vanished to the underpinnings of the new Start menu which features an array of live tiles and apps. Sadly, most developers do not want to develop apps for Windows 8 due to it complicated coding and stricter design restrictions. These things take extra time and cause the developers to lose profit. Thus, why develop something for Windows 8 when their is going to be little or no profit-margin? Developers began to flee from Microsoft leaving only a small remnant that cannot be entirely responsible for developing an array of apps to compete with companies such as Apple and Google.

As I was looking at these PCs with the background of Microsoft on my mind, I was not impressed with the selection to say the least. Most PCs were made out of cheap materials that yielded significantly lower quality than the price point. PC manufactures appeared to have lost their innovation and PCs (altogether) have lost their zeal. It is the days of the post-PC. One area though I was impressed with was the offerings from Apple. Whether it was their classic, simple, contemporary styling or the utter simplicity and yet complexity of their OS X I could not turn away this time. I had found love at the first gesture. Macs also appeared to set a bar in both quality, design, and just common sense whether that be in OS X or hardware. Macs also have far less issues than those whom run Windows OS on their systems. There are several factors that cause this:

Macs have great resource management which leads to such technology as turbo boosting
OS X is way more user friendly and oriented
OS X is far less possible to obtain a virus, worm, or spyware
Macs can handle any form or varient of media that is thrown at them (especially since this is what Macs are geared to handle)
The support system in which Macs come with from Apple is bar none compared to any other computer manufacture. (i.e. Apple Care or One-on-one)

At the end of the day once I realized my HP had bit the dust, I just could not stop thinking about getting a Mac. Their support structure makes sense. The OS makes even more sense. The quality of their hardware at Apple is beyond amazing. So, as you can see, my heart has changed and my affections are now set. I now have a Mac and have fallen in love. If you are in the market for a computer I would encourage you to at least consider buying a Mac. Do not let the price point scare you off. Doing so might just cause you to miss out on something amazing. I have crossed the technological river and the other side is so amazing and new!

"Make HIM the source, the center, the circumference of ALL your soul’s range of DELIGHT."

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:58:24 -0400

““Make HIM the source, the center, the circumference of ALL your soul’s range of DELIGHT.””

- Charles Spurgeon

The Unnecessary Necessity of God

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:19:25 -0400

Monday, May 20th, 2013 began just as any other day would for millions around the country. Parents woke up to alert their kids to the start of another school day, people went to work, and others spent some much needed time off. Little did anyone know that for those in Moore, OK the magical utopia known as life would get turned upside down in an instant. An simply massive, EF-5 wedge-shaped tornado touched down in the plains causing mass devastation and taking 24 lives with it. Nine of the lives taken were elementary school students.

Just prior to this, an even more disturbing headline was breaking in the news; the Supreme Court announced a new hearing. This time the Court would look into a centuries old practice of praying before the government meetings. Similar to the issue of homosexual marriage legalization, American culture was and is still dead-set against the thought of God and accountability for actions. Yet, a stark difference occurred following the proclamation of a massive tornado and casualties in Moore. The hashtag on Twitter “#prayforoklahoma” quickly rose to the top trend on the social network and is still in the top at this hour. Everyone is against God and most certainly against His existence in our daily lives are they not?

Over the past few years when a tragedy strikes as such, we seem to see a Christianization of America. Everyone seems to bow their heads in “prayer” in masses for days or even weeks after such tragic events. This is all to predictable though. Following the customary days of mourning or prayer, America at large will return back to its defying and denial of God. Everyone that is in contemporary American culture seems to view God in a moralistic therapeutic deism sense. When something tragic occurs as such in Moore, we call upon God for deliverance and to give a sense of comfort to those who are hurting. Yet, when things are going normal as usual, we do our best to avoid Him. The American culture seems to be a culture of inconsistency or heretics when it comes to such an issue. Contemporary culture and media seems to scream out in defiance all the while at the same time they are illustrating the necessity and longing for a Savior.

A fact to bare in mind here is that God does not call us to function in this sense. American culture screams that God exist for us all the while God shows that we exist for Him. God calls us to surrender our lives to Him in the utmost holistic manner. We are called to surrender our desires and longings for the sake of having everlasting hope in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You see, it is only through Jesus Christ that we can have hope, life, and deliverance in such tragedies, addictions, and sins. In addition to this, God illustrated His love for us by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die the most brutal death through which we can have everlasting life. God longs to have an intimate relationship with us and is someone who our finite minds cannot entirely comprehend. However, the only hope that you, I, and those in Moore, OK have can be found through an lasting relationship with Christ. A relationship in physical life is more than just calling upon the said individual when trouble strikes. So, why should we apply that to the very person who created the Earth, cosmos, and even us as persons?

In closing,I would like to recommend some more great sources about this tragedy in relation to the Christian worldview. I highly recommend the special Monday, May 20th edition of “The Briefing” by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. In it, Mohler gives an excellent synopsis of the proper Christian response to such events that take place. In addition to this, I would also highlight Mohler’s latest blog entry relating to the goodness of God and tragedy experienced in the human life at large. That entry can be seen here.

A Manifestation of Goodness

Mon, 20 May 2013 01:43:00 -0400

Over the course of the next few months, the local Church of which I am apart of is studying the attributes of God. Today’s message was discussing the goodness of God along with all of the theological/philosophical baggage that comes with it. We examined the text from Psalm 34 exegetically and the message was great to say the least.

Today though and this message had an extra special meaning to it. As the speaker was starting my phone buzzed. I received the best news one could ever receive A brother who had been a part of our Community Group for some time is a non-believer who wanted to come check things out at the encouragement of a co-worker. After a few weeks in attendance, I received the very text previously mentioned stating that this former agnostic had now turned his life over to Christ Jesus! I was ecstatic at the news!

What I got to hear about today was a true manifestation of God’s goodness. God sent His Son whom would be truly begotten, dying upon the Cross so that He could rise again on the third day so that we may all have life. It is because of this one event that my now brother in Christ has life. This was an undeserved manifestation of God’s goodness as He was effectually calling this brother back to Himself.

To God be the glory! Hallelujah!

The In-tolerate Tolerate: Culture Wars 2.0

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:03:19 -0500

Less than one week following the 2013 Passion Conference in Atlanta, GA, Louie Giglio was met with a wall of controversy. Giglio, who founded the Passion movement and is the Senior Pastor of Passion City Church, was invited to pray at President Obama’s forthcoming inauguration on January 21st. According to several reports, the inauguration committee selected Giglio due to his strong stance and vow to put an end to human slavery which affects over twenty-seven million people daily.

Yet, there is just one factor that changed all of Giglio’s plans. Think Progress, a liberal web group, found a message delivered by Giglio in the 1990’s in which he calls homosexuality a sin. The group as if in typical fashion began to label Giglio as “anti-gay” or a “biggot” for his stance on the now socially accepted issue of homosexuality. Due to the whirlwind that began less than twenty-four hours of his acceptance of the invitation, Giglio withdrew his acceptance with the following press statement to the White House:

I am honored to be invited by the President to give the benediction at the upcoming inaugural on January 21. Though the President and I do not agree on every issue, we have fashioned a friendship around common goals and ideals, most notably, ending slavery in all its forms.

Due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration. Clearly, speaking on this issue has not been in the range of my priorities in the past fifteen years. Instead, my aim has been to call people to ultimate significance as we make much of Jesus Christ.

Neither I, nor our team, feel it best serves the core message and goals we are seeking to accomplish to be in a fight on an issue not of our choosing, thus I respectfully withdraw my acceptance of the President’s invitation. I will continue to pray regularly for the President, and urge the nation to do so. I will most certainly pray for him on Inauguration Day.

Our nation is deeply divided and hurting, and more than ever we need God’s grace and mercy in our time of need.

Some have already began to criticize Giglio for backing out of giving the prayer. On the other hand tough, Giglio has triggered a lot of action recently by rallying over sixty thousand people to give $3.1 million to various organizations. These said organizations work to end human trafficking both nationally and internationally, a core ideal that both President Obama and Giglio agree upon. What we see transpiring is all too familiar territory for the American culture at large and Christian evangelicals.

Let us take a look back to late July and early August 2012. Controversy was growing wildly over a stance that was set forth by Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A, Inc. Cathy delivered a similar stance towards the issue of homosexuality labeling it as sin just like Giglio. Cathy delivered this personal statement of belief which filtered onto his ever growing business chain that placed the quick service restaurant at ground zero for this culture war. Thousands of people rallied together at their local Chick-Fil-A locations to eat and in turn show support for Cathy being allowed to state his beliefs. In the months that followed the controversy has subsided. The topic of homosexuality appears though in the American culture to be the one social issue that if anyone opposes, themselves (or anyone associated with said person) immediately becomes viewed as toxic or worse labeled using harsh language.

From the Christian perspective, we are sitting at an very interesting intersection. We can express our views and hold firm to the Gospel even to the point of being interviewed for such responses. Although, when we give a response that is not compatible with the culture at large, we are immediately revoked from speaking engagements, interviews, maintaining a business, or even just delivering a simple prayer. It is so tempting for the Christian to become angry and full of rage against the culture. But, this is not the appropriate response that should be given by the Christian. We should, yes, stick to what the Gospel says and continue to relay that message of truth to others whom do not know Jesus. Yet, when people begin to question and describe one in less than acceptable terms we do not need to immediately dish out more hate. Rather, we need to be willing to give a firm and yet graceful response. Doing anything other than this will continue to lessen our abilities as Christians of having hope to outreach to the lost masses.

The culture wars in the United States are far from over. With yet another controversy just waiting to be broke we await to see what will come next pertaining to the Christian Church and mainstream culture. As Christians, we must be willing to do something that the so-called “tolerate” people cannot seem to do: tolerate the in-tolerance for the sake of being able to share the Gospel with them.

Raising Awareness...End It Movement in Louisville, KY

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 02:44:48 -0500

Raising Awareness...End It Movement in Louisville, KY:

Follow End It’s chapter for the city of Louisville. That’s right, the city!!!

zuzuandnightwing: You all are going to probably start...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:36:33 -0500

zuzuandnightwing:

You all are going to probably start unfollowing me for this but I could care less.

I’m posting it for you or for myself or whatever you think, I’m doing this for the 27 MILLION slaves around the world. Men, woman and children.

#EndIt

Sing Praise?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:18:48 -0500

It is blatantly obvious that a core concept of worship since the founding of the Church is singing praise to God. Through this, we are taking part in not only one of the most beautifully sounding chorus, but we are showing a depiction of our hearts in relation to worshiping God. If there is a such direct correlation between these two concepts then it is clear that we have a lot of poor people spiritually.

Silence from the Congregation

It is a clear, beautiful Sunday morning filled with families going to Church. Children laughing as they walk to their classrooms, adults greeting one another in the foyer area as well as the sanctuary prior to the service, and of course the Pastor shaking all the hands possible. The worship service starts in a undoubtedly state-of-the-art Worship Center with all of the “dressings.” Large speakers, multimedia projectors, and band equipment litter the room ready to lead the audience in one of the most unique things in this world: worship of the One, True Living God. Finally the moment arrives as the lights dim and the service begins. This appears that it is going to be the best worship experience ever!

As the band began to play with the booming speakers and amazing visual graphics that change with the lyrics, there was something dramatically wrong. I initially noticed that I felt like that I was the only one singing in my entire section of the facility. Letting my voice slip away, I quickly realized the severity of this silence. Not only was a vast majority of the section that I was sitting in were mute, but an overwhelmingly large majority of the worship center appeared to be on mute. Needless to say, I was personally stunned.

Standing in silent shock, I attempted to get my voice back to continue singing praises to the King. My voice edges back into existence not without a bit of hesitation first. This shock literally consumed the utmost attention of my entire being. “We are gathering together this day in this house to worship God. But, why is it that we think it is correct for us to be silent during a time we should be singing hymns of praise and adoration to God,” I thought? It is from this that I truly realized the sad reality of how the Church is becoming and appears to be heading if something does not change in worship.

Still singing to God even now?

While there is a somewhat audible tone coming from the congregation, I noticed something that was even more stunning. During our time of invitation I bowed my head in prayer and as well as meditation upon the words which we were singing. As I done this and the hymn was going, I heard an lady from our congregation singing every word all the while gasping for air. She tried her hardest effort to keep up with the tempo as well as the note changes of the hymn. Not to mention she was also trying her best efforts to raise her voice in praise to God during this time of worship all the while her physical being was being pushed to its limits. Upon hearing the soft sound land in my ears I could not help but become emotional. Every fiber of my being almost trembled out of control when I heard the semi-silent words of an hymn being sung from the heart. This particular lady was in the middle of experiencing numerous health issues that caused her to become weak immediately following any form of physical activity no matter how strenuous. Yet, she was still singing although be it like a whisper and filled with a gasp following every utterance.

The experience continued as my mind began to enter into a perplexing time. “So many times,” I thought,”we do not lift up our voices to sing to God. Gran it some may be silent and meditating upon the words. However, why are their so many silent people when we are to be singing to God?” This thought even convicted myself as I have been guilty of this same issue. It still, however, made it blatantly clear to me that there is a huge problem in our Churches today especially when it comes to singing hymns of praise, worship, and adoration to the Almighty, Living God. A huge problem that we all need to repent of.

"We should use our memories of God’s past acts of providence to increase our trust in his..."

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:45:58 -0400

““We should use our memories of God’s past acts of providence to increase our trust in his present and future providence.””

- Randy Alcorn, If God is Good (p.272)

Three hundred and sixty-five Days Later

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:51:21 -0400

On this day, September 24, 2011, my family and I had to endure one of the hardest trials that I personally hope that no one has to go through first hand. It was on this day three hundred and sixty-five days ago at 5:17 a.m. that my mother went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ. As obvious, this has a tremendous affect on yourself and everyone around you. However, throughout this process there has been tremendous peace and hope that has consumed my mind.

Over the course of the months leading up to my mom’s passing, something about her caught my attention. Her example of perseverance throughout each of the health trials she encountered was something that I still admire. Even though she was feeling terrible, she was still extremely concerned more about the well being of others than herself. No matter what the doctor’s told her, she kept on being herself. She did not let her physical body failure change her personality of continually pushing through whatever trial came her way. I admired this so much so that God gave me the opportunity to preach about this very quality in relation to the Gospel before the people at her funeral. It was only by the Holy Spirit’s strength that I was able to make it through perhaps what will be the most difficult message I will ever have to preach.

As obvious from above, Christ had a hand in the entire situation. In the midst of the seemingly never-ceasing darkness, I did not know how in the world that this could be used to bring glory and worship to God. Quite frankly, I was left questioning why this occurred when it did and why it did. I do not have a full answer, but looking back in hindsight I can quite clearly see how God worked this situation out to be used for His glory. First and foremost, my dad rededicated His life to Christ! Finances were taken care of unexpectedly. One scholarship was started at my high school in memory of my mom to go to one student who is currently doing ministry in their local Church. This was something that my mom passionate about, especially in the area of Children’s Ministry. Finally, God used my mom to grow me into who I am today and to place me where I am today. If it had not been for God using my mother, I honestly do not know where I would be right now for school or even if I would still be running towards God.

Three hundred and sixty-five days later, one might wonder what is it that brings about peace and fills a void that has been left? The only answer to this question is the Gospel of Christ, which is so clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV):

Now I would remind you, brothers,^[a] of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,²and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

³For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,⁴that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…

It is only through this Gospel that we are saved and have hope of being back in communion with God. It is through this Gospel that states that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live on this Earth being fully God and fully man, died on the Cross after 33 years of life, and rise again three days later to ascend into Heaven. It is through this Gospel and this Gospel message alone that I have experienced peace and in which my mom desired to minister to the best of her abilities. It is through this Gospel alone that you and I both can have hope in this chaotic, fallen world. I would like to encourage you that if you do not know Jesus Christ, then turn to a fellow believer or Church member to talk to them about your desire to know the Savior. In the end, it is only Jesus Christ that can bring hope when all that your life ends up being here on this Earth is six feet deep in the ground with a granite stone marking your head saying that you in fact did live at one point.

"The Gospel is what reveals to us the glory of God."

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:15:16 -0400

““The Gospel is what reveals to us the glory of God.””

- Dr. Ralph Neal, The Gospel is the Heart of a Healthy Church message given on September 23,2012

"The Church is and will always be at its healthiest when every Christian can line up with every other..."

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:41:19 -0400

““The Church is and will always be at its healthiest when every Christian can line up with every other Christian to sing P.P. Bliss’s simple words, which really say it all:
Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned he stood,
Sealed my pardon with his blood—
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!””

- In My Place, Condemned He Stood, Mark Dever and J.I. Packer (p.27)

Tuesday, September 11, 2001-Presidential Address

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:14:03 -0400

Tuesday, September 11, 2001-Presidential Address

September 11,2001: Perspective from a 5th Grader

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:45:00 -0400

Eleven years ago today, I was awakening from my slumber in Harrodsburg, KY to prepare for my day at elementary school. As I awakened though there was something obviously different. I had the strongest sense that something bad was going to happen. I did not know what or how, but I just knew. I argued, begged, and even cried to my mom to let me stay home because of the fear that took me captive. This took place roughly around 6:00 a.m. on that very decieving day. The sun began to rise and everything appeared as if normal. However, my fear and emotion of despair were not leaving. My mom then convinced me to go to daycare to catch my school bus. I remember waiting there and seeing bus 9305 pull up to load all the students aboard as normal. Little did everyone know and myself what would happen in less than an hour from that point in time.

Upon my arrival at school, I recall setting in the hall telling everyone about my strong sense of despair. I remember how everyone thought I was crazy and immediately began to ignore me. As the bell rang to signify the start of the school day at 7:45 a.m., the feeling of despair over me intesenified. I had to let it relax though since I was heading into my first class. Then it happened. We were in the middle of transitioning classes when our art teacher (who’s room was just a few doors down) came out of his room with a look upon his face that I would never forget. I overheard the conversation he was having with our teachers saying that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. I did not immediately know what WTC was, but I quickly learned. We were rushed into our class room. If I recall correctly, the time was around 8:50 a.m. thanks to a large digital clock on the wall in the hall. We sat in the classroom and watched the television were in my 5th grade state saw thousands of people die from terrible acts of violence. I recall not knowing what to think as anguish, fear, and despair came over my teacher’s face simultaneously. Due to the uncertainty of that day, school was let out around 1:00 p.m. and I was dropped off at my daycare to await being picked up. Following my mom picking me up, we drove 15 minutes away to a store. I remember being in in the large, warehouse style building filled with people and products for sale, but setting in virtual silence. The theme song of that day would have to be “God bless the U.S.A.” as it seemed every radio station we turned to in the car played the song on repeat.

Fast forward to September 11, 2012. Here we now set eleven years later following one of the worst mass murders in this country’s history. I am now in college in Louisville, KY where I am thinking back about this in my dorm room. Even though I was in fifth grade as one of the worst terrorist attacks took place on this country’s soil, it was a day that I would never forget. It was a day that reminded us that we live in a messed up world thanks to the fall seen in Genesis chapter three. It reminds us that God still does have His hand upon such dark times even though it feels as if He could care less. In all of this though, I hope that as we think back to eleven years ago we see how in times like these God is supreme, that He is in control, that He sent His Son to die upon a Cross for our transgressions. I hope that as we take a look back upon this terrible day we remember the Gospel Truth of Christ reigning.

The Craziest Stand: a different perspective on August 1st

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:03:00 -0400

It is no doubt in my mind that Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 will be chalked down in the history books of this country. Perhaps the craziest day that I have personally ever witnessed in my life took place in the confines of a local Chick-Fil-A restaurant. Filled with “supporters” of the QSR chain piled in for what was a day filled with long lines, lines on top of lines, and orders that were taking close to thirty minutes to make it into a roaring stomach. Personally, I hope that it seems obvious where my values lie. Yet, I am not about ready to join an already fiery debate.

Rather, I am going to be firing back. Let me be clear. I admire the stance that Mr. Cathy took and was frankly left speechless when I arrived early for my shift seeing the size of the crowd. It was amazing to be a part of something that was so large. I am though left heartbroken by this. A brother in Christ pointed something out regarding today’s events: if we can rally together for something like this and take a stand, then how much more would our Churches, mission fields, and ministries in cities across this country would change. Picture it with me for just one moment if you will. Could you imagine how the country and even the world would be so different if all of the people who would rally around a corporation’s stance would actually live out their Christian lives fully? There would be revival in the least that would take place. The country would be so flipped out of sync people outside of the Church would not know what to do. Wow…..if only this would take place.

If we let ourselves begin to think that we just done all we could do to “take a stand against a bad culture,” we are completely wrong. If we are going to “take a stand against a bad culture,” why don’t we:

Be a part of a local Church to cultivate biblical growth
Donate time and finances to contribute to missions (considering that the SBC has roughly 600 missionaries in waiting to go through the IMB and cannot due to no finances)
EVANGELIZE the “bad culture”
Build healthy relationships with the lost to outreach to them
Sacrifice time for the sake of helping others
and the list goes on…

Its time that the American Christian Church wake up and smell the coffee. Its time for us to realize that we are in a losing battle and a once in a while huge event as such will not gain us anything except more negativity. People outside of Christ will hate the Gospel and become offended, but we ALL that are saved by Christ MUST be willing to share with them the only message that will bring about ever lasting life.

That is all.

"Pray for the “strong” Christians in your life too… their strength is in the same..."

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 13:16:07 -0400

““Pray for the “strong” Christians in your life too… their strength is in the same God as you and they struggle as much as you do.””

- Chrys Jones

Convicting Notebook and Side effects

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:25:29 -0400

Scripture can and is (in accordance to the Christian worldview) the main thing that can bring about pure change, hope, or even conviction into one’s life. Obviously, this is an result of the inter workings of the Holy Spirit moving within an individual to push them to pursue or renew a broken relationship with their Creator. However, we can sometimes forget about the extra-biblical things (material that is other than Scripture) that can cause the same results as Scripture. Personally, I was reminded of this a few days ago.

In the process of moving back into my regular dorm room for the upcoming fall semester, I found in my empty plot of space a spiral notebook setting upon my bed. I immediately brushed off the matter as a camp had used the building for lodging some weeks back. After seeing the lone dark green notebook sitting on my bed as if placed there for me to see curiosity got the best of me. I opened up the notebook to find a simple to do list. This was not just any to do list though. What was special about this to do list was reminders to this person to be in the Word, studying an Old and New Testament book per day, texts their friends Bible verses for the day, and be in prayer among other things. This immediately triggered deep meditations upon my life. I began to ask myself the hard questions and arrived at the conclusion that I had not been fulfilling the qualities of the Christian life to the best of my abilities. I still periodically fed past sins in my life, choosing to abide in the side effects of sin that push me even further from Christ. These are side effects that even today I am feeling as well. I am not saying this as a means of confession just for the sake of doing so. However, I am doing this as a demonstration of the side effects that sin has on our lives and how real, devastating, harmful they are.

As I continue onward in the war against sin, I still rage war with the side effects of past “wounds” sin has left upon me. I still constantly desire to choose to pursue sin much rather than serve my Heavenly Father. Thankfully though, we have hope through the Gospel of Christ which tells us of the life we can have in Christ Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection. I still meditate upon this notebook and even as I type conviction comes upon me from this extra biblical source. Needless to say it reminds me of how disciplined we need to be in our Christian walks.

Meditations on the death of a Saint

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:14:00 -0400

Judging by the title of this entry, you may first think that I am referring to the death of a pastor, deacon, elder, or even a cardinal. Nothing though could be further from the truth. You see, any believer in Jesus Christ who pursues Him, believes and professes faith in Him, and is continually being shaped by Him is in a process called sanctification. What is sanctification? Glad you asked. Sanctification is the process of one becoming more saint like. We as believers are on this continual journey until the day we pass. Of recent time, I personally cannot think of a more saint like individual than my mom. She would not owe up to being perfect nor was she selfish. Rather, she would care more about others and express her faith in Christ to those she came in contact with. People could tell that there was just something different about her.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, things took a turn for the worst..or so we thought. My mother passed away at 5:17 a.m. on that fateful day and the journey into an unforeseen chapter of life would begin. The future was extremely uncertain especially regarding my college career, my job, and other ministry opportunities. Yet, there were only two options that one can choose from: follow God and lean into Him for comfort or turn to the world to fill my life with the things that would only bring temporary pain relief. Not without failure though, I chose to lean into the arms of Christ and take peace in knowing where my mom was spending eternity. As much as I did and still desire for her to be with us I had to be willing to own up to my selfishness and rest in the peace of God.

Fast forward to the present. Here we are now: eight months later. Some may wonder:

How have you coped with everything?
How is your walk with Jesus? Are you still walking with Him?
What has God done in your life and through others since this event took place? Did your mom leave a good legacy?

Being real and honest with you, I would be an absolute fool and liar if I told you I have “all my chips together again.” This is just not true. Roughly from November to February, I was physically ill and was very tempted to just question God. I had a severe skin rash over about 70-75% of my body, diagnosed with a very severe form of MRSA (staph infection), and in the process had recurring nervous break downs. Did I handle this and cope with my grief properly? No. Looking back, I should have taken my previous semester off. I had a lack of sleep, many slips into depression, juggle a job, and fulfill ministry responsibilities. Throughout this entire ordeal I also made another grievous mistake: I attempted to make it through on my own. However, when I would attempt to go on my own I would be hit with another physical problem that illustrated to me a necessity of dependence upon God. These times have illustrated to me that I cannot take on life on my own and expect to succeed. Yet if I yield myself to Jesus and pursue Him through this and daily walk with Him, then I will continue to have peace knowing that God is sovereign and supreme over all such situations.

Even presently my walk with Jesus has not been all “candy canes and unicorns.” Being very real and blunt with you my walk with Jesus has been on the fritz for quite some time. Beginning around mid to late 2011, my walk with Jesus began to slack. Temptations all around me begged me to give in for exchange of momentary gratification. I surrendered to some of these temptations and fell back into the pit of past sins. This pattern has sadly persisted for close to a year now even through the passing of mom. However, things are slowly beginning to change for the better. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely! I desire to continue to improve and grow in Jesus, but that can only happen when I die to myself and yield to King Jesus and not the ruler of the air.

As already established, everyday presents new conflicts and memories that we as a family must overcome. There have been many days of joy, sorrow, and every other emotion in between. Yet, through it all I can personally say that I continue to praise God through the things that He has done. Here are just some of the things that God has done and I give praise to Him for over the last eight months:

My dad has been desiring to get back into the Church and regrow His relationship with Jesus
A scholarship has been set up in memory of my mom to help one HS student go to college
Finances have been met
Personally, I finally have found an accountability partner (something I have been desiring for quite some time)
Many other blessings that I cannot even remember at the preset time

For all of these things, I give praise to God. It is only through His power and His grace that I have been able to awaken and live another day. The last eight months have been extremely difficult. Nevertheless we must keep pressing forward. I praise God for the twenty amazing, formative years that I did have my mom in my life. Its hard to let go but we must remember that there is always comfort, hope, peace, love, and grace in God if we will surrender to Him.

In closing, I hope that this testimony has been an encouragement to you. I hope that it stirs your affections more towards Jesus. I hope that it challenges me and you both to chase after Christ no matter what happens along the way. Only Christ is worth living for.

Severe Weather!- 2/23

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:49:28 -0500

Its a beautiful day today here in the Louisville area with highs in the 70’s and sunshine,weather that is not typical for the month of February. Things will yet again shift drastically today as highs tomorrow will not even get out of the 40’s. How is this shift occuring? This is thanks to a cold front that is sliding across the area that will bring about severe weather today.

What kind of severe weather is possible today?

Forms of severe weather that are possible today range from heavy rain/wind to an isolated tornado or two. At last check, the Kentuckiana area is under a slight risk for tornados and a moderate risk in general for severe weather. Hence, it is highly recommended that you keep a close eye to the sky starting around 5 p.m. and onward.

Will watches be issued and what do they mean?

Severe weather watches such as tornado and Severe Thunderstorm watches will more than likely be issued within the next couple of hours. This means that conditions are favorable for severe storms/tornados occur. Watches do not mean that there is one in your immediate area. Warnings mean that a storm or tornado is in your area and that you should seek shelter immediately!

If anything is issued, I will try my best to post it to Twitter/Facebook. If you hear the sirens go off, please take cover immediately!!!!!! Even if nothing occurs, it is WAY better to be safe rather than potentially injured.

First Christmas in a New Chapter

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:02:00 -0500

The year 2011 has been a crazy one in my life…and that is just placing it in the slightest form of words. If you have read my previous entry on here, then you know why this special time of year has taken on a new form in a different chapter of life. For those who don’t know, my mom passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:17 a.m. Saying that the year has been harder since then is an absolute understatement.

Since my mom’s passing my family and myself have had to tackle several life milestones already without her. Dad’s birthday, my 21st birthday, what would have been mom’s and dad’s 31st anniversary, Thanksgiving and now Christmas. One thing remains a constant in all of our lives through these tough times though: my mom is currently dwelling in the presence of the One Holy God. While this will never fully heal the void that currently is in our lives, it does bring about the utmost greatest sense of peace in all of our hearts.

For you as the reader, it must be very anti-climactic that I bring up the death of a loved one when we are at a time of year to celebrate the birth of Christ. However I do have a point to this madness: It is through this birth we celebrate today that One Savior was able to enter into the world and pay the ultimate atonement or price for our sins. Through His shed blood we are able to have life, life that will be everlasting. It is through this that my family, millions of other believers around the globe, and myself have peace this Christmas Day.

On behalf of my family to yours, I hope that you have a Merry Christmas! Remember, the meaning of this special day is found in the One who gave the ultimate gift and not material gifts.