WOW I'm super pumped up! I really can't explain it. I'm starting to feel that I may know my "LANE" (got that from Shine '09, baby!) And let's be honest... I may be wrong in what I think the future holds, but the fact that I now feel that I have direction from God is great for me!
I have been doing certain things in my life over the past week or two to really focus on me, my relationship with God and our closeness with each other. It's going well.... but I still stumble and that annoys me. I try not to beat myself up and keep it moving! God is Good.. All the time! and All The Time... God is Good!
I am about to bounce around a bit (hence "Inside A Random Brain"), but you should be able to put it all together.
My church is Celebration Church. www.celebration.org I used to say in Jacksonville, Florida but that is just where I attend. We are now worldwide. LITERALLY! We have tons of campuses in Africa, Costa Rica, Georgia, Florida and who knows where else. We also have what we call "Extension Gatherings". This is a really cool idea and a great opportunity. What it is, is our entire church service put onto a DVD and then a "Host" hosts a church service anywhere in the world. We have these in Columbus, Ohio (where I came from); Iraq, Ireland, all over the United States, etc.
See, in Matthew the Great Commision talks about reaching the world. This is totally amazing how we are doing it... and not by selling HOLY WATER or a towel that our pastor wiped his browel with (yes, I've seen "preachers" that sell this crap). Our church is doing this by prayer and faith. You really have to experience what the Holy Spirit is doing throughout Celebration!
Ok... So, last Saturday night I walk up to Pastor Big John (our extension gathering pastor) as after service I sometimes go say hi to one of our pastors. We begin to talk about the E.G. in Columbus. I explain that alot of my old friends from up there have agreed to go to a service but just haven't made it up. Well, he starts asking me questions and I answer. I didn't realize it at the time, but now I think he was trying to see how many people I truly felt would check out the E.G.
Next thing I know, I'm invited to drive up with him that weekend, go to the USC vs OSU game (at the horse shoe, baby!!!) and partake in service at our Columbus E.G.
SIDENOTE: Our pastors are annointed. I just can't put this into words. I have yet to feel misled or misadvised by any of our pastors. I try to talk to our pastors at different times and try to slowly get to know them. Let me explain. We have like 12,000 + members at our church. I think that's a correct figure (sorry if i'm a little off). So, we have our Senior Pastor (Pastor Stovall Weems) and a number of other pastors. Every one of them are amazing and preach SCRIPTURE! And to hang out or talk with any one of them, you just truly feel they are annointed.
Ok, so that being said, we are waiting on the final approval I guess to go up there to Columbus on the weekend of September 13th. I'm super stoked! For me (other Celebrationers will understand this), the fact that I get to ride for 12 + hours there, and the same coming back, plus hang out all weekend with one of our pastors is awesome! Think about it! I get free counseling with no time restraints!!! hahaha. but, seriously.. I'm so excited to hopefully be given the chance to do my part in the Great Commision for the body of Christ. I love and miss Columbus. I want to see all of my old friends and acquantances in Heaven with me, and I pray that God uses me as His instrument.
A MORE SERIOUS NOTE: I'm asking all of you that read this... Whether you are part of Celebration or not... Please pray. Please fast. Please forward this request on. Stand in agreement with me that MY GOD uses me for HIS will and HIS glory. That the Holy Spirit begins to work in my contacts in Columbus and begin to move... Begin to convict... Begin to stir something up inside each one of them. Of course I want them all to go to Celebration, but more importantly, I want them to give their souls to Christ and who cares what church it happens at! Again - Please pray and fast and stand in agreement with me. And pray for me, that only HIS words come out of my mouth and my fingers as I text (lol). Thank you all!
So, on a completely different subject... I sometimes get hungry for wifey, and/or family, etc. Well, when I do I remember to keep my focus on God and it will just happen. But, just a couple of days ago, a random thought popped into my head (I'm not saying it was God talking to me, but probably just a thought.. not sure), and this thought was "but we are supposed to aggressively search for our blessings". The word aggressively was another word, but I cant remember what it was at this second. Anyway, so do I stand patiently and keep my focus on God as I've been trying to do, or do I search for said blessing? At this point, I personally think that I keep my focus on Him, but what do you guys think? Any scriptures to help?
As I sit here and drink my orange juice, I just remembered Wednesday night service. WOW. For my Celebrationers, what was that? I mean, our alter call was a sermon in itself! Extended worship, powerful alter call... WOW. Talk about a moving spirit. I was literally in awe!
Ok, I'm done for tonight. I really need some feedback from you guys here. On all of this entry!
Oh, one more thing. Check out Blameless at www.myspace.com/blamelessmusic from there you can follow them on twitter, listen to their music, watch their music videos, and check out the YouTube TV Channel!
-chris
Time
Friday, August 14, 2009
I love this verse. Actually, I love the song too lol. All joking aside, this little piece of scripture has been on my mind/heart a lot the last couple of days. So, I decided to post it.
I also had to post the song below the scripture. It brings back memories. I remember listening to it with my mom, and if I remember right, I think that she explained the verse to me when I was a kid.
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I also had to post the song below the scripture. It brings back memories. I remember listening to it with my mom, and if I remember right, I think that she explained the verse to me when I was a kid.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (New Living Translation)
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season,a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
Breakfast
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The church that I attend, Celebration Church is great! We have a men's breakfast on Friday mornings. It usually consists of free breakfast (orange juice, coffee, chic-fil-a chicken biscuit YUM), a little praise and worship and then a good teaching from Pastor Chris.
So, yesterday morning was about convictions. hmmmmm. There is one piece that really hit me. If you are a Christian, then prepare yourself for what you are about to read.
1 Corinthians 5:11
King James Bible
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Let me simplify this so we understand a little better what Paul is saying:
God's Word Translation
Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don't eat with such people.
Before this verse, Paul explains not to associate with sexually immoral people, or idolater's or... well, basically sinner's. Then in this verse he explains that he was talking about Believer's, Christians, People of Faith that profess Christ, but live in the world. I think Paul wanted to emphasize this because the "lost" is our ministry! That is who we are to be around trying to lead them to Christ. However, I'm thinking that hanging around "Christians" that live the lives that Paul describes above will bring us down, not help further the kingdom.
We all sin. Being a Christian does not mean that I am perfect. It simply means that I am forgiven.
Here is my point in this first half of this entry. Christians, be careful who you associate with, but more importantly...... ARE YOU THE SO-CALLED BELIEVER THAT PAUL IS SPEAKING OF? I could go on and on, but I really want to leave it at this... THINK! If this describes you, then please re-evaluate your relationship with Jesus. That marketing campaign years ago was so perfect, if people would only apply it. WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?
Since our men's breakfast was about "convictions", then I want to really hit you with something else as well.
Tithing. Pay attention for a minute. God tells us to "test" Him in only one thing. ONLY ONCE does he tell us to test Him. WOW. And He is talking about tithing when he says this.
Malachi 3:10
New International Version
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
I'm not talking about the Imagine campaign (even though that is a HUGE passion and conviction of mine!). I'm talking about tithing. Look at that verse! First of all, He tells us over and over in the scriptures to tithe. Therefore, the way that I interpret it, is that this is not a request. This is a rule. A commandment. A requirement for the believer. But, look! We will recieve so much blessing that we will not have room enough for it. If you are not tithing, you are either calling the person that you call your God a liar, or you simply don't have the faith that you should have as a Christian.
I personally believe that our reward for our faith via our action of tithing will be in Heaven, but I also believe in my heart that He rewards us here. I have NEVER yet in my life heard a believer say that they are tithing regularly and doing it cheerfully, but don't feel blessed. EVEN NON BELIEVERS GIVE TO CHARITIES! Everyone in Hollywood, the music industry and guru's such as Bill Gates give.
My last point is this. And please think about this. If you are not convicted to tithe, then maybe you have allowed your heart to be hardened to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. See, from my research, a lot of the times we may not understand something, or cannot see God's glory in our lives or His will if we have hardened our hearts. The Gospels, Daniel and other places speak of this.
If you are not convicted to tithe, I ask you to just say a quick prayer from your heart. Ask God to soften your heart so that you can stay in His favor. Tell Him the truth. Tell him that you are afraid to tithe because you don't feel that you can afford it, or you don't agree with what your home church does with their finances, or whatever the case may be. I PROMISE you, tithe and you will see some awesome things! TEST HIM IN THIS!
-chris
So, yesterday morning was about convictions. hmmmmm. There is one piece that really hit me. If you are a Christian, then prepare yourself for what you are about to read.
1 Corinthians 5:11
King James Bible
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Let me simplify this so we understand a little better what Paul is saying:
God's Word Translation
Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don't eat with such people.
Before this verse, Paul explains not to associate with sexually immoral people, or idolater's or... well, basically sinner's. Then in this verse he explains that he was talking about Believer's, Christians, People of Faith that profess Christ, but live in the world. I think Paul wanted to emphasize this because the "lost" is our ministry! That is who we are to be around trying to lead them to Christ. However, I'm thinking that hanging around "Christians" that live the lives that Paul describes above will bring us down, not help further the kingdom.
We all sin. Being a Christian does not mean that I am perfect. It simply means that I am forgiven.
Here is my point in this first half of this entry. Christians, be careful who you associate with, but more importantly...... ARE YOU THE SO-CALLED BELIEVER THAT PAUL IS SPEAKING OF? I could go on and on, but I really want to leave it at this... THINK! If this describes you, then please re-evaluate your relationship with Jesus. That marketing campaign years ago was so perfect, if people would only apply it. WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?
Since our men's breakfast was about "convictions", then I want to really hit you with something else as well.Tithing. Pay attention for a minute. God tells us to "test" Him in only one thing. ONLY ONCE does he tell us to test Him. WOW. And He is talking about tithing when he says this.
Malachi 3:10
New International Version
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
I'm not talking about the Imagine campaign (even though that is a HUGE passion and conviction of mine!). I'm talking about tithing. Look at that verse! First of all, He tells us over and over in the scriptures to tithe. Therefore, the way that I interpret it, is that this is not a request. This is a rule. A commandment. A requirement for the believer. But, look! We will recieve so much blessing that we will not have room enough for it. If you are not tithing, you are either calling the person that you call your God a liar, or you simply don't have the faith that you should have as a Christian.
I personally believe that our reward for our faith via our action of tithing will be in Heaven, but I also believe in my heart that He rewards us here. I have NEVER yet in my life heard a believer say that they are tithing regularly and doing it cheerfully, but don't feel blessed. EVEN NON BELIEVERS GIVE TO CHARITIES! Everyone in Hollywood, the music industry and guru's such as Bill Gates give.
My last point is this. And please think about this. If you are not convicted to tithe, then maybe you have allowed your heart to be hardened to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. See, from my research, a lot of the times we may not understand something, or cannot see God's glory in our lives or His will if we have hardened our hearts. The Gospels, Daniel and other places speak of this.
If you are not convicted to tithe, I ask you to just say a quick prayer from your heart. Ask God to soften your heart so that you can stay in His favor. Tell Him the truth. Tell him that you are afraid to tithe because you don't feel that you can afford it, or you don't agree with what your home church does with their finances, or whatever the case may be. I PROMISE you, tithe and you will see some awesome things! TEST HIM IN THIS!
-chris
Hillsong Live - Faith + Hope + Love
Hillsong Live - Faith + Hope + Love
The new Hillsong CD and DVD came out this past Tuesday, August 4th. It's really got some awesome music on there!
Well, I just wanted to share some of the goodness lol. Let me know what you think!
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'Yahweh' written by Reuben Morgan from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'For Your Name' written by Jad Gillies from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'It's Your Love' written by Mia Fields from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
The new Hillsong CD and DVD came out this past Tuesday, August 4th. It's really got some awesome music on there!Well, I just wanted to share some of the goodness lol. Let me know what you think!
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'Yahweh' written by Reuben Morgan from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'For Your Name' written by Jad Gillies from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
This is a blog about the inspiration behind the song 'It's Your Love' written by Mia Fields from the New Hillsong LIVE album -- FAITH HOPE LOVE
Says Who?
Monday, August 3, 2009
I'm a Christian. Says who?
So and so is a Christian. Says who?
Ok, so part of my devotion time (and leisure reading time) I read "The One Year Bible". So, I get some Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs every day. It's nice! Well, as I'm reading this morning, something pops into my head. We are lame. I mean, we are flat out pathetic. Allow me to explain.
In the Old Testament, you worshiped someone or something. PERIOD! ....And for those that worshiped God, and believed in God... Well, there was no way to doubt it. Yes, they sinned. Yes, they messed up. Yes, they turned their backs on Him. But do some research, my friend. Almost all of the people who lived for Yahweh literally lived that lifestyle.
Today: Ok, I don't want to mention direct names, but look at some (or all) of our top leading officials. Politicians is who I speak of. Almost all of them claim to be Christians. WHAT!?!?! Almost all of them lie, steal, kill (abortions, along with other rumors), commit adultry, get drunk, drugs and so on and so forth. Not one inkling in most of their lives show that the Living God is part of their lives. Romans 1:25 says "They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the thins God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen." hmmmm when you trade the truth about God for a lie, you begin to worship anything and everything else, which means living away from Him.
Look at who all claims to be Christians. Most politicians, members of the Klu Klux Klan, alot of murderers and the list goes on. If we do not live for God to our fullest ability, we are just as guilty at living against Him as those same politicians, members of the KKK and those crazy murderers who say they killed their kids because God told them, or the ones that kill abortion doctors.
Here is what I'm trying to say. Satan has masked his work. He has made our society feel that we can live a mediocre life, or even worse never give ourselves to God at all, and we will still be alright. Be careful! If you are not saved, Hell is where you will spend eternity. However, if you are saved, but you lead more people AWAY from God, instead of into his arms, then I just might fear that afterlife just as much as Hell.
Give your all! There is a song on the new Kollide cd that is called the "Great I Am". Some of the lyrics:
I once was lost but now I'm found in your love
I once was blind but now I see in your love
I will give all, all that I am for the Great I Am
I will give all, all that I am for the Great I Am
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
We must give our all. This halfway living crap isn't cutting it. If you're a Christian, stand up and prove it! Romans 1:16 talks about not being ashamed. Not giving your all for him just might be interpreted as being ashamed. This isn't a game and shouldn't be treated as one.
So, on another note..... This weekend was great. We had the album release for Kollide at our church (www.celebration.org). Talk about great stuff! AMAZING! Blameless performed several songs with them and it was such a great night! Sunday I went jet skiing with dad and just chilled. Today it's supposed to rain so probably won't accomplish much, but am very excited to get to hang out with a few friends tonight.
-chris
So and so is a Christian. Says who?
Ok, so part of my devotion time (and leisure reading time) I read "The One Year Bible". So, I get some Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs every day. It's nice! Well, as I'm reading this morning, something pops into my head. We are lame. I mean, we are flat out pathetic. Allow me to explain.
In the Old Testament, you worshiped someone or something. PERIOD! ....And for those that worshiped God, and believed in God... Well, there was no way to doubt it. Yes, they sinned. Yes, they messed up. Yes, they turned their backs on Him. But do some research, my friend. Almost all of the people who lived for Yahweh literally lived that lifestyle.
Today: Ok, I don't want to mention direct names, but look at some (or all) of our top leading officials. Politicians is who I speak of. Almost all of them claim to be Christians. WHAT!?!?! Almost all of them lie, steal, kill (abortions, along with other rumors), commit adultry, get drunk, drugs and so on and so forth. Not one inkling in most of their lives show that the Living God is part of their lives. Romans 1:25 says "They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the thins God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen." hmmmm when you trade the truth about God for a lie, you begin to worship anything and everything else, which means living away from Him.
Look at who all claims to be Christians. Most politicians, members of the Klu Klux Klan, alot of murderers and the list goes on. If we do not live for God to our fullest ability, we are just as guilty at living against Him as those same politicians, members of the KKK and those crazy murderers who say they killed their kids because God told them, or the ones that kill abortion doctors.
Here is what I'm trying to say. Satan has masked his work. He has made our society feel that we can live a mediocre life, or even worse never give ourselves to God at all, and we will still be alright. Be careful! If you are not saved, Hell is where you will spend eternity. However, if you are saved, but you lead more people AWAY from God, instead of into his arms, then I just might fear that afterlife just as much as Hell.
Give your all! There is a song on the new Kollide cd that is called the "Great I Am". Some of the lyrics:
I once was lost but now I'm found in your love
I once was blind but now I see in your love
I will give all, all that I am for the Great I Am
I will give all, all that I am for the Great I Am
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
We must give our all. This halfway living crap isn't cutting it. If you're a Christian, stand up and prove it! Romans 1:16 talks about not being ashamed. Not giving your all for him just might be interpreted as being ashamed. This isn't a game and shouldn't be treated as one.
So, on another note..... This weekend was great. We had the album release for Kollide at our church (www.celebration.org). Talk about great stuff! AMAZING! Blameless performed several songs with them and it was such a great night! Sunday I went jet skiing with dad and just chilled. Today it's supposed to rain so probably won't accomplish much, but am very excited to get to hang out with a few friends tonight.
-chris
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