Give Me Jesus

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise,
give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

When I am alone
When I am alone
When I am alone,
give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die,
give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

- "Give Me Jesus" lyrics by Fernando Ortega

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?" - Matthew 16:26

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." - Psalm 84:1-2

People NEED The LORD!

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." - Matthew 9:36

Tonight at work the Lord used an opportunity to bring me to a silence of heart and an overwhelming sense of guilt and inadaquacy before the Lord...

As I was working tonight an older gentleman who also works at Home Depot approached me and we started talking about morality issues. After a bit of a discussion he made known to me that he believed in a "higher power" and that we possess a "conscience" but he believed we are free to follow our "pleasures" in this life... And everyone is entitled to pursue their own "purpose." Upon asking him if he believed that at the end of our lives we will bear consequences to the lives we lead, he fully agreed. The part that broke my heart was his concluding statement... He said that nothing in this life is known, and we have no way to find it out until we die; so he has decided to wait until then to see what the "truth" is. { Does that hit you as hard as it hit me?}

This man has decided to wait upon death to discover truth! But friends by then it is too late! The scales of judgement and the eternal wrath of an angry God will have been established. There is no going back once death has consumed our souls. And after death....judgement.

"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ... will appear a second time... to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." - Hebrews 9:27-28

Immediately after talking to him, my heart was in pieces. How could I being a professing follower of Christ live my life on daily basis without thinking of the men and women like this all around me? How have Christians fallen so far away from our original purpose? How many times in a day does my heart scream to tell the gospel to the dying world around me? How often do I BEG and BEG and BEG the LORD to open the eyes and hearts of the world to recieve his love and turn from their wicked way and attain SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST! I DON'T! Oh Father forgive me... and forgive your church. By our silence Father, we disobey you and we allow the people of this world to enter into your eternal wrath and judgement where there is great and endless weeping and nashing of teeth, a place of eternal fire...

I pray that the Lord will change our hearts... Change our hearts and lives Lord, to be for one purpose and one purpose only. TO KNOW THE LORD, AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN AMONG THE EARTH!!!!

On my way home from work the words of this song played over and over in my mind...

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?

On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.

More Than a Friend

In the quiet of my soul
In the stillness
I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You


Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship You my King
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

-Lyrics by Jeremy Riddle ( Full Attention )

"Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,because I have hoped in your word. I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight." - Psalm 119: 73-77

Moment of Truth

Friends, I heard this song this evening and the lyrics are very powerful! When we look at this life and Satan wants our hearts to fall into dispair; cast your eyes on Jesus and remember the moment of truth that he died for your sins and now sits at the right hand of GOD in heaven above. At that moment, the moment of truth, eternity shook with the worship of God. Go back to the moment of truth....

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You got your hand on the door
And you're ready to walk out
Well, the fight that you had filled your mind up with all this doubt
And you're losing your mind and losing your faith
And you can't remember why you fell in love in the first place

Go back, go back to the moment of truth
When she walked down the aisle and you first said, "I do"
When this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Go back, go back to the moment of truth

You got your hand on a habit
And you can't seem to let it go
It used to be your escape now it's out of control
And now it's you in the mirror
But you don't recognize your face
And you're looking for a reason not to throw it all away

Just go back, go back
To the moment of truth
With three words, "It's a girl"
And she looks just like you
When this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Go back, just go back to the moment of truth

You got your hand on the Bible
But your heart feels like stone
'Cause you think that you've made too many mistakes to come home
And you're losing your will and you're losing your faith
And now you wonder if you even believed in the first place

Just go back to the moment of truth
When you first talked to Jesus
And He reached out for you
He's still reaching, He's still reaching out for you
So when this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Just go back, just go back
To the moment of truth

-"Moment of Truth" lyrics by Matthew West (2008)

A Wife Of Virtuous Character

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. " - Proverbs 31: 10,26,28-30.

In my postings on this website I have strived to speak mainly on the goodness of the Lord and of His endless faithfulness rather than things that daily concern or trouble me. However after the Lord speaking so powerfully in our church service today, I greatly feel the need to write out these thoughts that are flowing through me.

Today’s message was on "Holding the High Ground" and holding marriage up in honor to all. This message brought my heart to tears. It was convicting, reassuring, and encouraging all at the same time. A vast sea of emotions flowed through me. I am so excited for the opportunity of marriage some day. I can't wait to serve my wife, to know her in a depth no one else does, and to love her to the best of my human abilities. I cannot wait to grow in holiness and fear of the Lord with her as she sharpens my character and challenges me to grow in different aspects as I challenge her as well. I eagerly rejoice in the thought of her comforting kindness and tender touch as she extends a listening ear to my daily joys and frustrations. How wonderful of a gift it is that the Lord would bless a man with a woman to be his helper and encourager throughout all of life's endeavors. Thank you Father for seeing that "it is not good that man be alone" and allowing us to grow in union with one other person in becoming one through the covenant of marriage.

As I ponder and pray for my future helper, several things enter my mind. I pray the woman that falls in love with me will not fall in love with me, but rather the Lord's light shining through me. If her love was based on my personality or imperfect character then she is inevitably going to be disappointed and let down. But OH how I pray for a woman of virtuous character to fall in love with me despite all my imperfections because she knows that the God she serves will extend her the grace needed to love me through the good times and the bad. My heart yearns for a woman who will delight in my strengths as a man/husband/father and pray for my weaknesses. How greatly I pray for a woman that seeks God with her whole heart, leaning not on her own understanding, but in all her ways acknowledging Him as He directs her paths...

I am just a sinful man... striving to be used by the Lord... pleading for the Lord's blessing and holiness to flow through my life as his Holy Spirit dwells within me... and asking the Lord for the courage and strength to pick up my cross daily and follow Jesus... and on this journey of following Christ, may the Lord unite me with my wife in his timing and ultimately for His Glory! Amen.

The GOD of Jacob

"24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” - Genesis 32:24-30

In the course of reading through the bible in 2008, I have already in these last 17 days arrived at a conclusion. I am humbled and exceedingly overwhelmed with joy that I serve THE GOD OF JACOB. When Jacob's life is examined, the majority of his life was lived in a state of looking out for his own interests and paralzyed by fear as a result of his choices' consequences. He stole the birthright from Esau, fled his home to avoid his brothers wrath, was treated dishonestly by Laban, fled in fear the household of Laban, and convinced himself his brother would destroy him upon his return. But something amazing happened to Jacob on his return home. He contended with God.

Jacob wrestled with God pleading for his blessing upon his life. As a result not only did Jacob's life change but his name reflected this change. Jacob began to live in state of awe of the Lord. No longer did he live looking out for his own interests but he began to look after his family; even asking Esau to allow them to travel at their own pace in returning home so his livestock and family would survive the journey. Jacob began to ask the Lords blessing on his life rather than attempting to cheat, steal, and negotiate his own wealth and happiness.

When I observe Jacob's life, I begin to notice the multiple parellels of his life to my own. How often have I lived in a state of fear too scared to trust in the Lord? How often have I tried to gain my own happiness rather than waiting and pleading before the Lord for his blessing and favor? Far too often have I sought my comfort and enjoyment before addressing the needs of others. Yet, I serve a God who will bring us to a place; a wilderness, where we will ultimately contend with the GREAT I AM and our focus will forever shift to pleasing Him ALONE. OH the fulfillment our souls will attain as we are made new in that place where we will be given a new name! A name marked by the interceding mercy of our Lord. A name displaying the faithfulness of our Glorious Father always working to bring his children back to his heart. A name marked by the sacrifice and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who took our place bearing our shame and attaining our eternal salvation! The God I serve is proud to be known as the God of Jacob because when his creation contends with the Lord of Hosts we have but one thing to say : Soli Deo Gloria! - To GOD alone be the Glory!

Let It Be Said...

Over the course of the past few weeks I have had ample time to think about many things in my life. What is my purpose? My direction? My passion in this world? Furthermore, what will I be known for when I die? What will people remember of this life I lived? These questions have driven me to strive that people might say one all encompassing statement of my life. "HE WORSHIPED GOD."

But of all the things people could say or remember you for why choose worship you ask? Because worship is the defining characteristic that not only fulfills our God given purpose in this world but ultimately it will satisfy our hearts with overwhelming joy. When we draw into a spirit of worship to our GLORIOUS LORD we empty our lives of ourselves. We throw away meaningless attempts at self-induced satisfaction and we open our lives for God to reveal his Glory through, manifest his blessings within, and encompass his presence in our souls. When we worship God he gladly dwells within us. I love the Old Testament story of David dancing before the Lord with overwhelming joy when the Ark of the Covenant or the "dwelling place" of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem.

"And it was told King David, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn." - 2 Samuel 6:12, 14-15

David couldn't contain his excitement that the distinguished presence of the Lord was once again in their midst. HOW MUCH MORE should the sons and daughters of God rejoice that through the blood of Jesus Christ his spirit dwells forever within us!!! Let us fall down with face to the ground in private heart churning worship before the Lord as we meditate on his goodness to us.

Our days are few; our lives echoing in eternity. May I and may the children of God live in light of eternity. May our days be filled with thoughts of future glory in the presence of God. May this life I live and the heart songs I give echo as beautiful music in the ears of my Lord. May it ultimately be said of me... He Worshiped God.

Life Expectancy : A Matter of Attitude

A Simple Truth: A bad attitude can ruin any opportunity for joy. This week I have had a terrible and grumbling attitude. I am weighed down by final exams and the emotional and mental fatigue they bring, preparation for speaking at church on Sunday, and all the stress this ice storm has brought upon my life. My apartment has no electricity, heat, or water. This week has been composed of showering at FarmHouse, trying to endure the freezing nights of sleeping and attempting to find food that doesn't need to be cooked or heated in my apartment, continually going to the library to print off notes for class, and in summarization a complete chaos and testing of patience. But after 4 days of a grumbling and dissatisfied heart, something happened today. I realized I am so, so, SO BLESSED!

Today as I was preparing for a final I was listening to some music and God completely grabbed my attention. Here I am grumbling about inconveniances, and I live in one of the richest countries established throughout the history of the world! I DO have a place to shower if I drive a few blocks away, find warm food, and money to buy the things I need to make it through. I have warm clothes, an mp3 player to lift my spirit with songs of worship, a dependable car, friends and family who love me, and MOST importantly a GOD who is patient and merciful toward sinners. A scripture that is on my mind in this time is that in the old testament where God leads the Israelites through the wilderness... They began to complain that God was not providing what they WANTED while all the while he was supplying their NEEDS. He dwelt among them! He led them by pillars of fire and cloud. He rained down manna from heaven to fill their stomachs and he gave them a wise and humble leader in Moses to maintain order and peace among them.

Brothers and sisters, enjoy the lessons from this foolish sinner and take them to heart. When our hearts are preoccupied with complaining there is no room for WORSHIP, and when there is no room for worship we fail to be thankful and we question the very goodness of God! Forgive us Father for such ungrateful and selfish hearts.

Life: Its what you make of it. Cultivate a heart of thankfulness expressed through worship and the smallest things you never even noticed before; will bless your soul with joy beyond words.

Forever Faithful!

"How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed; Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked. The LORD will reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!" - Psalm 146:5-10

Oh how comforting is the assurance that our God is forever faithful! Blessed are the people whose help is the Lord, whose hope in the Lord, who dwell in the protection of the POWERFUL YAHWEH!

At this point in my year there are so many decisions facing me, with so many requests I plead before the Lord. I am so thankful that the Lord hears my most inward yearnings and is attentive to my tearful prayers. How all together wonderful it is to have a God who is near, a God who delights in blessing his children if they offer up worship of thankfulness! As I consider the way of my next few weeks, I will consider the faithfulness of my Lord. Yes, I will not doubt the promises he has made to those who seek his face. For he uses the weak to show his power. He uses the foolish to display his wisdom. He equips the inadaquate to show the depths of his wonder. Bless me Father in the ways I have requested before you. Delight in providing for your child whose hope is in you. May your name Father recieve the Glory it commands! For Holy is the Lord! High and EXALTED, KEEPING FAITHFULNESS FOREVER!!!

How Deep the Father's Love For Us

How humbling it is to sit under the preaching of God's word and for God to grip your soul and bring you to a quiet place of awe to his unfathomable love. How wretched we are apart from Jesus. But, OH how GLORIOUS is our heavenly Father! Jesus accomplished the greatest act of love to EVER be shown. He died for me and for you. He absorbed the fullness of Gods wrath in our place. Oh Jesus how limitless is your love, how unfathomable your mercy toward disobedient and vile sinners. How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure! That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom