Recent Events

Here's a brief update (and a random picture I took in Israel).

This semester has been difficult but great. I don't think there has been a time in my life where I have grown and learned more spiritually, practically, and academically. I was stretched more than I knew I could handle, but (of course) the Lord showed me His faithfulness. He helped me when I was in need.

In May I moved in with 3 guys who have grown to be my closest friends (John Bush, Caleb Hughes, and Steve Gilliam). We have had a blast living together, but more than that we started a home group type meeting on Monday nights that has been really powerful for our campus. Each week we have close to 60 students pack into our house and worship the Lord together. It was a great opportunity to learn about the Lord and discipleship. I also think I might have started doing something that is part of my future/calling... Teaching.

I taught 2 of our meetings and realized that it really is something that I love. I had a couple opportunities to teach when I was in high school, but at the time I didn't realize it was a gift/talent that I had, I was just doing it because of the role I was in. The Lord has given me a passion to teach/preach the bible and see people fall in love with Him. I am looking forward to more opportunities in the coming months.

Another recent update (that not many people know) is that I am actually finishing school a YEAR early. I will graduate with my Undergraduate in Theology in May! That's exciting. I have some thoughts about what I will do afterwards, but nothing definite yet. In the end there are 2 things I have on my heart to do: 1) minister to the Lord in some sort of House of Prayer setting (not necessarily IHOP), and 2) teach the bible. Right now I do not know the steps that the Lord will use to get me to those two desires, but He put them in my heart close to 5 years ago, and after waiting, the desire to do them has only grown. This proverb describes it best:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

This verse has vast eternal implications, but practically in my life I have hope to one day sit defore the Lord and gaze at His beauty night and day praying for His justice on the earth. For the past few years this hope has been deferred, but I am believing and trusting the Lord to bring it to pass as a tree of life.

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4

My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:2

What does God think?

Obviously, it has been a while since I wrote a substantial blog and hopefully I will write an update post soon. But for now I want to write some thoughts which I have been entertaining and need a way out of my head. When I came to Lee University I was a little nervous about studying Theology as a major, but as I am finishing up my last year I have grown with a great appreciation for it. Not only that, but already during my break I found myself wanting to continue to read theology (despite the vast amount of complaining about reading I did during the semester). I've come to realize that Theology could be one of the most misunderstood disciplines and should not be seen as boring or unspiritual. Instead, its ultimate end should lead the reader into the Love of the Father and great fascination of who God is.

One of my favorite Contemporary Theologians is Jurgen Moltmann. He is a German theologian who was born in 1926 and was drafted to be a German Solider in WWII. I want to be clear, I do not agree with a lot of his theological stances, but I think he has presented a unique approach to theology which needs to be utilized. His first book was Theology of Hope which was published in 1967. This was not intended to be a Christian Eschatology, but instead present a foundation of hope for all theology (in 1996 he decided to develop this more and write a Christian Eschatology). Soon after Theology of Hope he wrote The Crucified God which was published in 1973, which is where I intend to focus this post.

He poses a question which directs the rest of his book asking, "What does the human cross of Christ mean for God?" It seems like since Christ has died the church has only sought to define the cross in relation to what it means to us and the freedom, salvation, and future we have in Christ. Without neglecting this foundation, could the cross actually mean something for God too? Moltmann explores the dimensions of this in a profound way suggesting that maybe God suffered the loss of his fatherhood in the death of His Son (Expect a post soon discussing more of Moltmann's theology of the cross, but for now, lets continue exploring what prayer means for God).

Recently, one of my favorite professors at Lee made a comment about the current Christian Charismatic understanding of Intercession and prayer. Without quoting him directly he basically compared the churches understanding of intercession as a works based faith and something we do in order for God to act. This is a completely false understanding of prayer because God is outside of every being and needs no one nor nothing to do what He pleases. While I agree with this, immediately a thought popped in my head similar to Moltmann's question with the cross, "What does the saints intercession/prayers mean for God?" While God clearly doesn't need these petitions, could it be that he has set his Kingdom up in such a way to have full bridal partnership in the place of prayer? Could this be similar to the way he used Moses and other leaders in the bible? Could the wedding really be God's ultimate goal?

While God clearly doesn't need us to accomplish His plans, He has invited us to partner with him as His bride. It's the same as in a marriage, while the man is the head and leader he does not do everything. As the Bride of Jesus we are alongside of Him serving Him, we are with him where he is (John 17:24). In His meekness he has given us the freedom to join and to pray His will into existence. For so long I equated meekness with humility until I read this definition by Josh Hawkins:

"Meekness is the restraint of power for the accomplishment of a higher cause. Though outwardly they may all seem similar, we must not confuse meekness with humility or weakness... when someone is meek, they possess power but restrain from using it for themselves. Instead, they operate in humility and use their power for a redemptive purpose... The glory of Jesus’ meekness is that every time He was presented with an opportunity to use His divine power to shield Himself from the full-brunt of the human experience, He did not. He continually used His power as God for the benefit of others. Not once did Jesus warm himself up on a cold night, subdue His hunger pains when He went without food, or silence the mouths of His accusers when lies were spoken about Him." Click Here to read more.

His decision to set up His Kingdom so believers partner with Him in Intercession to accomplish His purposes is His meekness. Clearly He could do whatever He desires in a moment, but instead he has set standards in place that even He Himself will not cross. Just as he used Moses to release the plagues on Pharaoh and to speak to the people of Israel. In the same way He wants to use our prayers to affect those people and places we pray for. This should transform the way we pray, and instead of begging God to do things we should pray knowing that he desires to answer the things we are praying for more than we do..

But then what? Is the end goal prayer? While prayer is a fantastic demonstration of bridal partnership it is only perfecting humility and meekness within us, so that one day we will be ready to marry the Lamb. We will be a pure and spotless bride. This present evil age will end in the return of Jesus, and those faithful followers will be gathered with Him and celebrate at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.


Thoughts?

Cool Story

A few nights ago I went to the Marietta Square (Downtown Marietta, GA) to hang out with a friend. We hung out under a Gazebo and talked for a little while, when all of a sudden we started getting visitors. We had 3 homeless men walk by and talk to us at different times.

First, a man walked by and stopped and looked at us (almost doing a double take to look at me). Then he looked at us and asked the most random question saying, "Haven't I seen yall up here before? Aren't yall christians, don't you come up here and pray for people?" The answer to that was yes, but it had been close to a year (or more) since I had done outreach at the square. So I told him we were christians and we'd love to pray for Him. Then he sat down and told us a pretty sad story also trying to get some money. We listened to his story and then prayed for him. I ended up also giving him a little money, but it was difficult. It seemed like he was lying, but I felt like the Lord was just saying, "so what, just give him a something." After he left we tried to figure out what just happened. It was so weird because his first question was, "Are yall Christians, and do yall pray for people?" We didn't even have a bible or anything that would make him know we were christians. We decided it was probably the Holy Spirit and reflection of Jesus showing Him love, and he knew we had to be christians. Interesting...

Then a little while longer we had another visitor. This one was a little more shady, but he didn't stop long. He walked by the Gazebo and just said a few comments which i responded to. But he didn't bother to ask us for anything and just continued on his way.

Finally, we met our friend Turbo. Before he came over we saw him dancing on a brick ledge and he was actually a really good dancer. After that he walked by us and wasn't going to say anything when my friend decided to say, "Nice Dance moves." He said thanks and continued to walk, then did a double take and joined us on the Gazebo. He proceeded to say, "You really think so?" and our response was, "Yes it was awesome!" Then in the most humble way he said, "Well, you see, I don't really have a home, and I try to do that to make money." We responded sympathetically really wanting to help him. As we continued to talk we told him we were christians and wanted to pray for him. Then He told us that he goes to Stonebridge Church (which is a church plant from Riverstone). After that we prayed and prophesied over him. it was incredible. i really sensed the Lords pleasure over Tavarace (Turbo was his dance name). We didn't end up giving him anything, but as he walked away I was gripped and knew I had to give him something. So we called him back over and gave him some money.


I'm really not sure what the point was for these three men, but it was an incredible night and words really can't describe the compassion from the Lord which we felt. We sensed the Lords pleasure in an incredible way.

Rain 2010

Here is the Promo Video for our Solemn Assembly (based out of Joel 2), Rain 2010 at Lee University.

Tertullian

Here is a little encouragement from Tertullian for the Morning. This is Chapter 3 of his writing called, "The Prescription Against Heretics." The Lord is long-suffering and gracious with us. Hope it encourages you as it did me.


Chapter III.-Weak People Fall an Easy Prey to Heresy, Which Derives Strength from the General Frailty of Mankind. Eminent Men Have Fallen from Faith; Saul, David, Solomon.the Constancy of Christ.

It is usual, indeed, with persons of a weaker character, to be so built up (in confidence) by certain individuals who are caught by heresy, as to topple over into ruin themselves. How comes it to pass, (they ask), that this woman or that man, who were the most faithful, the most prudent, and the most approved in the church, have gone over to the other side? Who that asks such a question does not in fact reply to it himself, to the effect that men whom heresies have been able to pervert ought never to have been esteemed prudent, or faithful, or approved? This again is, I suppose, an extraordinary thing, that one who has been approved should afterwards fall back? Saul, who was good beyond all others, is afterwards subverted by envy. David, a good man "after the Lord's own heart," is guilty afterwards of murder and adultery. Solomon, endowed by the Lord with all grace and wisdom, is led into idolatry, by women. For to the Son of God alone was it reserved to persevere to the last without sin. But what if a bishop, if a deacon, if a widow, if a virgin, if a doctor, if even a martyr, have fallen from the rule (of faith), will heresies on that account appear to possess the truth? Do we prove the faith by the persons, or the persons by the faith? No one is wise, no one is faithful, no one excels in dignity, but the Christian; and no one is a Christian but he who perseveres even to the end. You, as a man, know any other man from the outside appearance. You think as you see. And you see as far only as you have eyes. But says (the Scripture), "the eyes of the Lord are lofty." "Man looketh at the outward appearance, but God looketh at the heart." "The Lord (beholdeth and) knoweth them that are His; " and "the plant which (my heavenly Father) hath not planted, He rooteth up; " and "the first shall," as He shows, "be last; " and He carries "His fan in His hand to purge His threshing-floor." Let the chaff of a fickle faith fly off as much as it will at every blast of temptation, all the purer will be that heap of corn which shall be laid up in the garner of the Lord. Did not certain of the disciples turn back from the Lord Himself, When they were offended? Yet the rest did not therefore think that they must turn away from following Him, but because they knew that He was the Word of Life, and was come from God, they continued in His company to the very last, after He had gently inquired of them whether they also would go away. It is a comparatively small thing, that certain men, like Phygellus, and Hermogenes, and Philetus, and Hymenµus, deserted His apostle: the betrayer of Christ was himself one of the apostles. We are surprised at seeing His churches forsaken by some men, although the things which we suffer after the example of Christ Himself, show us to be Christians. "They went out from us," says (St. John, ) "but they were not of us. If they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us."

Chastening

The Lord is so faithful to bring us to a place of complete dependence on Him. He will do all that it takes to rid us of the props that hold us up, so that we only rely on Him. Through a strange series of events, this is the place I am in right now. While it is difficult at different times, the strangest part is that I actually want to receive this from the Lord. The reality is that this is His goodness towards me. He would rather be merciful on me and show me my weaknesses than let me continue in my arrogance.

The Lords is showing me a dimension of humility in a real way. Often we think of humility as servanthood etc, which is a huge element of humility, but another dynamic (which I am learning) is that I am not in control of my life. Sure, we can do practical things such as serve to be humble, but when God actually shows us Himself we are forced to a place of submission to His majesty. This is humility. I'm realizing again that I still cannot do anything. No matter how often I try and control my life, I will fail. It's starting to become humorous to me when I look in hindsight, because for some reason I still make plans for my life even though I know that the Lord always comes and changes them.

The most important thing in a season like this is endurance. When the Lord takes us through the fire we must be willing to receive it in humility. If this is something you can relate to I would encourage you to listen to Misty Edwards' teaching from the Prayer and Prophetic conference this past weekend at IHOP-KC. She gives and exhortation based out of Hebrews suggesting that we have to have an eternal perspective in order to persevere, because it makes our problems in this life much smaller. Click Here and look for her teaching in the Video on Demand Section.

Psalm 16:5-11

"O Lord, you are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night season. I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

A Poem

Here is a poem by an awesome man who has had incredible influence in my life. It'll make you wrestle with God.


Click here to Read it!

Vision at Lee

Click here if video won't play.

God is Love

I just finished doing a study on John's use of love and hate in 1 John which has tenderized my heart before the Lord. If your familiar with the text of 1 John, it is clear that he is adamant about communicating love to his audience. Not only that, it is also likely that he was writing in order to bring truth to the divinity of God's Son Jesus by coming against the antichrists that prevail in the world.

While doing some research I came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It says:

"[Based on his intention of Christology and significant statements about love, he] draws a genuine theological connection between them, rooted in the concept of the incarnation as the revelation of the God who is love." (Brackets added).

Jesus was born of a virgin and was a sinless man. He is 100% Man and 100% God, the God-Man. This is the purpose of John's first letter. He wants to center the doctrine of Christ around divinity and love. Jesus is God and God is love. These are both incredible statements that we will search out for all eternity.

John uses the simplest (and most repetitive) language to communicate the the most profound theological concepts. Our lives must center around this Man. Colossians 1 says that He is to take the preeminence in all that we do. He is the center of life, the Word that became flesh, the Savior and Redeemer, who is 100% Man.

Hope you enjoyed reading. I encourage you to read both 1 John and Colossians 1.

Good Stuff about Jesus

Here are a few resources I want to recommend to you about Jesus.

Jesus Manifesto - By Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola:

I am not finished reading it yet, but I have been gripped with the reality of Jesus Christ and he must be exalted in all things. Click Here for Amazon

Thought this was a good read for today by Dana Candler and wanted to recommend it to you: Click Here

Riverstone Summer Camp

Get ready to see a generation of Revivalist! July 4-9.

Here is a link to watch the live web-streaming. I highly recommend it! Click Here

Dependency

Recently the Lord has been opening my eyes more and more to my utter weakness and need for Him. This sounds great, but trust me, it is a grueling process, although totally worth it.

When speaking about the weakness of humans Dana Candler said, "How we must not evade it, deny it or ignore it, but rather acknowledge and embrace it." This is what I want to do in this season, no matter what the cost. But do I really? If I did then when the option of humility looked at me directly in the face I would choose to embrace it, but currently I do not want to do that every time and am asking the Lord for patience and grace.

The world is telling us the exact opposite of what the culture of Jesus' kingdom should be. I am writing this because I have been experiencing a unique wrestle with it recently, and honestly, I am a little tired of it. Just as Paul said, I do what I don't want to do and I don't want to do what I do. Life has interesting dynamics, both good and bad, but I want to get to the place to where I live my life the same even when no one is looking. When living in the midst of the pressures of life and expectations of men (especially doing ministry stuff), I want to be able to set my gaze and live my life before the eyes of one Man, no matter the situation. He is worth it and worthy of all my heart all of the time.

2nd Coming

I am currently stirred with urgency about the Second Coming. It is discouraging when this topic is brought up among the church because of how taboo it is. Throughout the past 100 years there has been many ideas proposed concerning this topic, and because of this there has been a mysterious confused precedent set to approaching the book of Revelation, or any eschatology (study of last things). This is an understandable problem, but after going to Israel I am stirred with urgency to pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation about the coming hour.

In 1948 Israel was restored back as a country for the Jews and then in 1967 Jerusalem was set back up as the capital of this city. Not only is this one of the best proofs for Christianity, but arguably one of the greatest miracles in all of history. 1900 years ago their city was destroyed. The Roman Empire made it illegal for Jews to enter. Not only did it's people not lose their ethnicity, but they kept their original language which some scholars say could be 3,000 years old. This is incredible. The Messiah will not return until all of Israel cry's out, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Jesus quotes this in Matthew 23:39 and it comes from Psalm 118:26. The people of the city said it in the day of Jesus, but He was addressing the Leadership in the city (the Sanhedrin). For 2,000 years this was impossible, but now it is possible again.

In Romans 10 and 11 Paul Talks about His desires for Israel to be saved and says that this "mystery" will happen before the restoration of all things. These are statistics given by David Sliker,
In 1999 there were 2,200 messianic believers in Israel. In 2009 there were 10-15,000 Messianic believers in Israel. In 10 years the number of believers has increased by 700%. That is unbelievable.

There are many other things concerning this that are happening in the earth today, but the point is that we must watch and pray. In Mark 13:33 Jesus says, "Watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is." We are commanded to know the times and seasons that we are living in. For 2,000 years the 2nd Coming has been impossible, but for the first time in history the scriptures are lining up and its likelihood is increasing. I encourage you to pray about this and ask the Lord to open your eyes to what the Spirit is saying in this hour.

Update - I highly recommend this article by Josh Hawkins - Click Here!

Faith

I was reading an article on the Gift of Faith by a friend, Josh Hawkins, and wanted to encourage you to read it. Click here to read it.

Successful

Throughout Christianity it seems like we have distorted the truth of what it means to be successful in our life with God. When we serve and give in ministries we usually don't primarily do it for the people. Most times we are not confident in who we are before the Lord and so we serve in order to prove ourselves to God. This is completely wrong. The truth is that God is in love with us and we don't have to prove anything to Him.

With this truth in place we can now serve people with a pure motivation instead of having the secondary purpose of trying to gain God's favor. This truth has started to rock me. I have been trying to serve in this way and it makes life so much easier. It makes it to where we want to serve people because we are doing it while delighting in the father.

SO GOOD!

Israel

Well, obviously I was not able to update each day while in Israel. I had limited internet, but more than that our schedule was packed for most of the days while we were there giving me little time to update. I am now back in Marietta and it is great to be home, although I already miss Israel. It was a hard place to live at, but it was also a hard place to leave.

We flew into Tel Aviv and went all the way up north to where the tribe of Dan would have been located, then all the way south where we floated in the Dead Sea, and we finished in Jerusalem - the City of the King. Here are some pictures with some small comments, hope you enjoy them! (The descriptions are under the picture, and you can click on them for a bigger picture).



This is Jaffa right near Tel Aviv. It is where Ezekiel went in Ezekiel 3.

This was a baby of the owner at a place we ate lunch. She was so cute! They were a Druze which is a break off from Islam.

This is a view from Mt. Carmel that looks over the Megido Valley. Mt. Carmel was where Elijah called down fire from heaven. The Megido Valley is also known as the Valley of Armageddon which is in Revelation 16:16.

These are ruins from Caesarea where Jesus did some of his ministry. Although, this was likely ruins from a Crusader Castle.

Beautiful Caesarea


Me standing on a 2,000 year old Roman Road. Now that is crazy history.

Looking over the Valley of Megido again, but from a different place.

Another Shot of the Valley of Megido, but this time from Mt. Tabor where the transfiguration is believed to have happen.

Me sitting on a Donkey :-). We went to a guy who reenacted what a normal jewish life would have been like 2,000 years ago. It was tons of fun!

This is a city called Hiafa, just to the North of Tel Aviv. Located on Mt. Carmel. It is one of the largest Sea Harbors for Israel.


This is a big hole in a mountain at Caesarea Phillipi that Pantheistic tribes believed was Hades. So it was likely that when Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am." in Matthew 16:14 they were standing here, and when He said, "I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." BEcause this hole was believed to be Hades and is in Casarea Phillipi.

This was one of my favorite parts. That whole passage just came alive at a new level with this perspective.

These are the waters at Casarea Phillipi. The water was so clear that they say you can drink out of it. I did :-)

THis is a place called the Golan Heights. Beautiful.

These are the Vultures that fly around in the Golan Heights. Some of them go up to 6 feet in Wing length. That is crazy. It is also thought that these could be the birds mentioned in Rev 19:21 that will gorge themselves on the flesh of kings.

This is Mt. Gamala in the Golan Heights.



Me on our Boat! We took a boat across the Lake of Galilee. THis was the same water that Jesus walked on!

This is a monument put where it is believed one of the feeding of the multitudes took place.

The church on the Mount of B-attitudes.

This is a beautiful picture at the Mountain of B-attitudes over looking the Lake of galilee. This place was glorious. The place where Jesus set up the culture for HIs Kingdom.

This was a Canaanite gate that was found and dates back to the time of Abraham, and even believed that he walked through this gate. Wow.




This is the Church of the Primacy where it is believed that Jesus had breakfast with the Disciples.

Peter house

Boat


This is En Gedi where David went and found the streams of living water that flow in the desert.

Beautiful En Gedi again.

These are Date pits that were probably from 2,000 years ago. They also have some in a museum. Crazy.

This is a picture of Qumran which is in the desert. The dead Sea scrolls were found here which date back to 100 BC. They were matched with the scrolls of the bible word for word. This is the greatest proof for the bible that we have.

Another beautiful picture of the Galilee.


This is a picture with a Jewish scholar at the Tomb of Samuel.

This is a picture of the Tomb of Samuel. This was very interesting. This group was a Jewish sect that believes Samuel is interceding for them based on Psalm 99.

People swimming in the Dead Sea. All you do is float!

The beautiful sunrise over the Dead Sea.

Picture of me with our tour guide Gedion. He was awesome!


Picture of Jerusalem from our Hotel

This is Kahlin in Hezekiah's Tunnel. This was a water way from the time of Hezekiah. That is over 3,000 years old. Wow!

Jewish men praying at the Western Wall. The primary reason they pray here is because this is the closest they can get to what would have been the temple. This area is only 1/8th of the whole western wall and it is all the Jews have. The Muslims own the Temple mount.

Another picture of the Western Wall.


This a picture of the Garden Tomb at Golgatha. It is very likely that this was the tomb of Jesus although we will never know for sure. All that matters anyway is that He is alive and His body will never be found.

This is the Tomb of King David.

This is a little Jewish boy that I fell in love with. The Lord broke my heart for Him. He is the one in the middle.

This is Christy Lynch on a Camel. It looks like they were both smiling, but I think the Camel was pretty mad.

This is a picture of Jerusalem from The Mount of Olives.



This picture explains the main thing I gained from the trip. Don't get me wrong, it was incredible walking where Jesus did and the Lord really opened up my heart and let me experience Him through this, although there is a day coming that will be so much greater. Jesus is going to return again and He is returning to Jerusalem. Romans 10 and 11 talk about Israel and Paul says that all of Israel will be saved. This is the Lords will and I believe it will happen.

While walking around and interacting with the Jewish people the Lord broke my heart. They have been pushed away for 2,000 years and groups have always attempted to kill them (such as the holocaust, etc.). Currently they are struggling to have their own country because of Palestine. The tension between the two groups can be sensed in the atmosphere. Therefore, we must pray for them, for their peace, but more than that for their salvation. They are the Apple of His eye.


I hope this encourages you as it did me. Thanks!

Israel Day 5

Israel has been incredible so far. I will make a longer post later because I am currently paying $4.00 for 30 minutes of internet. Thats Crazy!!!! But here are some sweet pictures from our first few days at Galilee.


And I have eaten a ton of Hummus. I have a new favorite food!

One of those pics is an old synagogue dating back to the 4th Century. Wow!



Cya Soon!