Hey guys! How's school? Any of you feeling intimidated by the coming year? Or maybe some of you aren't focused on school at all because of other life matters; I can't know. I do, however, have some inspirational words for each of you from a man named Paul...
"I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews." ~Paul (Acts 20:19)
You know already that Paul was an amazing follower of Jesus Christ and he was a great leader to God's people... us. Surely you also know that his life was filled with trials that caused his heart to wring with pain. Among those trials was the many plots against him by the Jews; enough to humble him greatly and bring him to tears. But, look what he boasts despite all of that:
"I served the Lord..."
Understand something; Satan is making many plots against you and I as well. It is not just a mere coincidence if you are going thru a time of pain right now. Though trials come into our lives for various reasons, there is one thing we can be sure of; we have the honor and responsibility of serving God through whatever may come at us. I don't know about you, but I long to be able to say,
"I served the Lord...although I was severely tested..."
And if you're looking for peace and joy through those trials, you should grab your bible and study the lives of the people in it; especially those who served God. See what God does for His servants...
~ Cameron :)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Word Is Alive
I heard a song on a friend's iPod this summer... As I listened to the words of the chorus, I felt the Spirit within me saying, "Agreed!"
Tonight, I bought the CD and have been playing the song over and over again. Take a moment to read the words of this song...
THE WORD IS ALIVE
by Casting Crowns
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men ~ Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him ~ Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings ~ He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things ~ With eyes wide open, all would see ~ The Word is alive ~ And it cuts like a sword through the darkness ~ With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid ~ Breathing life into all who believe ~ The Word is alive ~ And the world and its glories will fade ~ But His truth, it will not pass away ~ It remains yesterday and forever the same ~ The Word is alive ~ Simple strokes on a page ~ Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age ~ It speaks Truth to us even still ~ And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns ~ Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve ~ With eyes wide open, let us see ~ The Word is alive ~ His Word is alive
"The Bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years, in times of war and in days of peace, by kings, physicians, tax-collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds. The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive could have been produced by such a diverse crowd over a period of time which staggers the imagination. Jesus is its great subject; our good, its design; and the glory of God is its end."
~Tony Nolan
Many of you reading this are in college. I know that you have had, and will continue to have, your faith tested. You will find that the first thing Satan would have you doubt in your life is the Authority of God's Word. Do not be fooled, our God IS the writer of the Bible and it is WITHOUT error. God's Word has endured and triumphed over many plots to destroy it and now Satan has turned his attention towards us that we might doubt it completely. In a world where we question EVERYTHING, we cannot afford to doubt the unchanging Word of God. Make your decision today: Read and follow God's Word into eternal life with Him OR ignore it until the day God proves His Word by the return of His Risen Son, Jesus Christ.
Tonight, I bought the CD and have been playing the song over and over again. Take a moment to read the words of this song...
THE WORD IS ALIVE
by Casting Crowns
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men ~ Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him ~ Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings ~ He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things ~ With eyes wide open, all would see ~ The Word is alive ~ And it cuts like a sword through the darkness ~ With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid ~ Breathing life into all who believe ~ The Word is alive ~ And the world and its glories will fade ~ But His truth, it will not pass away ~ It remains yesterday and forever the same ~ The Word is alive ~ Simple strokes on a page ~ Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age ~ It speaks Truth to us even still ~ And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns ~ Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve ~ With eyes wide open, let us see ~ The Word is alive ~ His Word is alive
"The Bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years, in times of war and in days of peace, by kings, physicians, tax-collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds. The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive could have been produced by such a diverse crowd over a period of time which staggers the imagination. Jesus is its great subject; our good, its design; and the glory of God is its end."
~Tony Nolan
Many of you reading this are in college. I know that you have had, and will continue to have, your faith tested. You will find that the first thing Satan would have you doubt in your life is the Authority of God's Word. Do not be fooled, our God IS the writer of the Bible and it is WITHOUT error. God's Word has endured and triumphed over many plots to destroy it and now Satan has turned his attention towards us that we might doubt it completely. In a world where we question EVERYTHING, we cannot afford to doubt the unchanging Word of God. Make your decision today: Read and follow God's Word into eternal life with Him OR ignore it until the day God proves His Word by the return of His Risen Son, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Summers Come To An End...
Friends all around and worries out the door; most of us love our Summers because of the fun and freedom they bring with each sunny day. Many of us find niches of peace and comfort in the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. A little slice of Heaven...
But soon, the days of freedom turn into thoughts of coming responsibilities and life begins catching up with us again. You say your "Laters!" and prepare yourself for the "real world..."
For many of us, "real world" stinks. But, how can we ever grow if we live only in a bubble. I loved being around so many good influences this Summer that built me up daily and I also loved the freedom I had from media and its majority negative influence on my life. But, how can we live for God like that? And how will the world ever see any light if we keep it hidden in a world of comforts and affirmations? If any of you know what I'm talking about, I feel for you because I have been battling with it too. But take strength in knowing that you are a light to those around you, and as you struggle to live for Christ, people will see Him in you. One day, all of these pains and struggles will be behind us... Look forward to that day and to seeing Him face to face as you take on each day.
~Cameron
But soon, the days of freedom turn into thoughts of coming responsibilities and life begins catching up with us again. You say your "Laters!" and prepare yourself for the "real world..."
For many of us, "real world" stinks. But, how can we ever grow if we live only in a bubble. I loved being around so many good influences this Summer that built me up daily and I also loved the freedom I had from media and its majority negative influence on my life. But, how can we live for God like that? And how will the world ever see any light if we keep it hidden in a world of comforts and affirmations? If any of you know what I'm talking about, I feel for you because I have been battling with it too. But take strength in knowing that you are a light to those around you, and as you struggle to live for Christ, people will see Him in you. One day, all of these pains and struggles will be behind us... Look forward to that day and to seeing Him face to face as you take on each day.
~Cameron
Monday, April 14, 2008
NO MATTER WHAT - Rain; Sleet; Sin?
[Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.] ~ Matthew 26:33-35
And he would have too!
[Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, (Peter) reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.] ~ Matthew 26:50-51 (John 18:10)
But the test of his loyalty did not come when he was ready for it. It came after a long and dark night. He was surely tired and distraught from all that was going on...
[Read Matthew 26:57-75]
Sound familiar? How many times have you made a promise to God about something and then failed to deliver?
Perhaps its a re-occuring problem? You have a weakness in your life where you stumble again and again, and you are so tired of falling. You have said, "This is the LAST time!", and then fell again... Times like those, we don't feel so different from Peter;
[Then Peter remembered....And he went outside and wept bitterly.] ~ v.75
But there is hope... the Bible teaches us many things:
- God's grace is sufficient for us [2Corinthians 12:9]
- Our weakness is part of God's Sovereign will [2Corinthians 12:10]
- Our weakness is not an excuse to keep sinning [Romans 6:1-2]
So do not lose heart; if you are willing, God can use you.
[Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."] ~ 1Corinthians 1:26-31
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.] ~ Matthew 26:33-35
And he would have too!
[Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, (Peter) reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.] ~ Matthew 26:50-51 (John 18:10)
But the test of his loyalty did not come when he was ready for it. It came after a long and dark night. He was surely tired and distraught from all that was going on...
[Read Matthew 26:57-75]
Sound familiar? How many times have you made a promise to God about something and then failed to deliver?
Perhaps its a re-occuring problem? You have a weakness in your life where you stumble again and again, and you are so tired of falling. You have said, "This is the LAST time!", and then fell again... Times like those, we don't feel so different from Peter;
[Then Peter remembered....And he went outside and wept bitterly.] ~ v.75
But there is hope... the Bible teaches us many things:
- God's grace is sufficient for us [2Corinthians 12:9]
- Our weakness is part of God's Sovereign will [2Corinthians 12:10]
- Our weakness is not an excuse to keep sinning [Romans 6:1-2]
So do not lose heart; if you are willing, God can use you.
[Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."] ~ 1Corinthians 1:26-31
Here's To The Girls!
Have you ever a watched Boy-vs-Girl challenge? Chances are, you have! Well I have learned something when it comes to challenges; girls rock!
Now before all my boys, bros, chums and amigos out there start to show some ego, take a moment to think about something: When are you most sparked to take on a challenge? When its just you and another guy, or when there's a girl around? We are wired in a way that we man-up when girls are around! And this doesn't just apply to silly challenges (and board games lol) it applies to all areas of life!
Now I don't know about you, but when I take an honest look at myself, I realize that I am weak and broken; useless on my own. But even with God at my side, there is still a part of me that simply makes me stronger around girls. When I am weakened by Satan's attacks or I am not relying on God to get me through something, God puts one of His daughters in my path to challenge me. Sometimes its as simple as a close friend doing her best to honor God with her life. Or sometimes God sends girls that are close to me to tell me how it is and gimme a look of disappointment. Both of these set off that instinct in me that says, "What!? Are you gonna let a girl beat you??"
Guys, we need this kind of encouragement/challenge! God knew we did!
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him....Then the Lord God made a woman..."~Genesis 2:18,22
What was that? Man needs help? From what, a monkey?? No; man needs help from women! We are in a race of endurance to the Throne of God, men and women alike, and we need all the help we can get! Guys, don't be a baby when a girl flies by you on the track; run harder than before and show her who your Master is! Girls, don't waste your time checking out the boys on the track; keep your hearts focused on God and His Will for your life! To all of us, God knows your faults and your weaknesses; He knows your need for a spouse to compliment you and encourage you. If you believe that then keep running towards God and know that He will bring you someone that will run alongside of you and help you when you fall.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ~Hebrews 12:1-3
"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."~1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Ready, Set, Go!
Now before all my boys, bros, chums and amigos out there start to show some ego, take a moment to think about something: When are you most sparked to take on a challenge? When its just you and another guy, or when there's a girl around? We are wired in a way that we man-up when girls are around! And this doesn't just apply to silly challenges (and board games lol) it applies to all areas of life!
Now I don't know about you, but when I take an honest look at myself, I realize that I am weak and broken; useless on my own. But even with God at my side, there is still a part of me that simply makes me stronger around girls. When I am weakened by Satan's attacks or I am not relying on God to get me through something, God puts one of His daughters in my path to challenge me. Sometimes its as simple as a close friend doing her best to honor God with her life. Or sometimes God sends girls that are close to me to tell me how it is and gimme a look of disappointment. Both of these set off that instinct in me that says, "What!? Are you gonna let a girl beat you??"
Guys, we need this kind of encouragement/challenge! God knew we did!
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him....Then the Lord God made a woman..."~Genesis 2:18,22
What was that? Man needs help? From what, a monkey?? No; man needs help from women! We are in a race of endurance to the Throne of God, men and women alike, and we need all the help we can get! Guys, don't be a baby when a girl flies by you on the track; run harder than before and show her who your Master is! Girls, don't waste your time checking out the boys on the track; keep your hearts focused on God and His Will for your life! To all of us, God knows your faults and your weaknesses; He knows your need for a spouse to compliment you and encourage you. If you believe that then keep running towards God and know that He will bring you someone that will run alongside of you and help you when you fall.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ~Hebrews 12:1-3
"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."~1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Ready, Set, Go!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A lesson from Job
Ever read the book of Job? Now I don't mean just a few verses, but the whole book. If not, I highly recommend reading it sometime. (It takes a approximately an hour to read, so try and find a time when you can sit and read it with no distractions)Anways, the book of Job has many lessons in it that can and should be learned.
1. If ever you are going through a hardship and you just don't understand why, remember Job. His first response was praise to God because he knew that God is Good and Just. His second response was candid honesty towards God; sharing his true feelings rather than covering them up with shallow cliche's. He also listened as God replied to Him with great Wisdom; he did not continue his complaining and ignore what God had to say.
2. If ever your friends are going through a rough time, remember Job; do not be like Job's friends. They were right to go to Job's side and mourn with him; But, their folly began when they opened their mouths without wisdom. This is where many Christians fall short today. We become so eager to help our friends get through their pain, that we sugar coat our words and water down truth. An example would be: Say you just lost a loved one... Your friends come to your side. Now each of them wants you to be happy again so they begin thinking of ways to make you feel better. One friend begins quoting every scripture he/she can think of that fits the scenario. Another friend just keeps telling you, "You'll be okay soon" or "The pain will pass." And still another friend sits quietly at your side, holding your hand or laying their hand on your back. This friend is also praying and asking for God's comfort. This friend quotes scripture to you as well, but waits for the right moments and chooses the scripture carefully; not taking it out of context. We should strive to be like the third friend; leaving plenty of room for God to work.
3. Regardless of what you are going through, the life of Job teaches us that God is in control. Everything is in His Sovereign hands; you are in His hands.
May you all have a blessed day!
~Cameron
1. If ever you are going through a hardship and you just don't understand why, remember Job. His first response was praise to God because he knew that God is Good and Just. His second response was candid honesty towards God; sharing his true feelings rather than covering them up with shallow cliche's. He also listened as God replied to Him with great Wisdom; he did not continue his complaining and ignore what God had to say.
2. If ever your friends are going through a rough time, remember Job; do not be like Job's friends. They were right to go to Job's side and mourn with him; But, their folly began when they opened their mouths without wisdom. This is where many Christians fall short today. We become so eager to help our friends get through their pain, that we sugar coat our words and water down truth. An example would be: Say you just lost a loved one... Your friends come to your side. Now each of them wants you to be happy again so they begin thinking of ways to make you feel better. One friend begins quoting every scripture he/she can think of that fits the scenario. Another friend just keeps telling you, "You'll be okay soon" or "The pain will pass." And still another friend sits quietly at your side, holding your hand or laying their hand on your back. This friend is also praying and asking for God's comfort. This friend quotes scripture to you as well, but waits for the right moments and chooses the scripture carefully; not taking it out of context. We should strive to be like the third friend; leaving plenty of room for God to work.
3. Regardless of what you are going through, the life of Job teaches us that God is in control. Everything is in His Sovereign hands; you are in His hands.
May you all have a blessed day!
~Cameron
Friday, February 22, 2008
"...supposed to of ALWAYS been Godly?"
"Aren’t most ministers supposed to of ALWAYS been Godly? I mean even growing up as a child?"
This question was asked by a friend of mine in one of his notes. After replying to him, I felt that the question and the answer to it were both valid and should be shared with each of you...
(My reply by God's Wisdom)
Absolutely not! Ever read Hebrews 11? It's often called the "Hall of Faith" or "Heroes of Faith" chapter. In it you'll find some of Christianity's greatest men and women! But look closer and study the people listed there... You'll find they include prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, outcasts, liars, thieves....the scum of the earth! And check out Matthew 1 and Luke 3:23-38 for the ancestry of Jesus! The same kinds of people are listed there as well! Don't you see?
We don't live by the world's standards anymore; Jesus changed all of that! :) Our worthiness and our usefulness is not measured by our endeavors to be great or our ability to be king of the hill... He died for us while we were still sinners!? He gave it all for us; his enemies... We are worthy because He has made us worthy with His blood; He spent His life to give us ours! We ALL fall short; ALL OF US. I struggle daily in my fight between flesh and spirit! Paul himself cried out to God to pull the "thorn" from his flesh three times! You know what God said? "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Look, we need our weaknesses to leave room for God's power to be made known in our lives. You are trying to earn your calling by asking Him to rid you of your faults, but guess what? You can't earn it! Your calling and your mission here on earth is NOT YOUR OWN!
You CANNOT do it without God and God is not going to make you perfect until we are all made perfect together in Heaven. So that means that you MUST rely on God to be your strength where you are weak. His grace is sufficient. Paul went on to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
And another thing; don't put so much pressure on yourself regarding your ministry and how and when and what-not. Your ministry has already begun! It began the day God reconciled you to Himself. Your "calling", (be it Youth Ministry, Pastoral, Missionary, Teacher or whatever), is only a small part of your purpose here on earth; God is painting a MUCH larger picture! Every choice you make, every road you take, every relationship you build; your whole life is your ministry and God has purposed you to be here! :)
So take a load off, and rest in the Power of God. Live life in the moments and stop worrying about what's to come and how your going to get there. Just trust in God and He will see you through to His Glorious conclusion! :)
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
~Isaiah 40:28-31
Grace and Peace to you all!
~Cameron :)
This question was asked by a friend of mine in one of his notes. After replying to him, I felt that the question and the answer to it were both valid and should be shared with each of you...
(My reply by God's Wisdom)
Absolutely not! Ever read Hebrews 11? It's often called the "Hall of Faith" or "Heroes of Faith" chapter. In it you'll find some of Christianity's greatest men and women! But look closer and study the people listed there... You'll find they include prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, outcasts, liars, thieves....the scum of the earth! And check out Matthew 1 and Luke 3:23-38 for the ancestry of Jesus! The same kinds of people are listed there as well! Don't you see?
We don't live by the world's standards anymore; Jesus changed all of that! :) Our worthiness and our usefulness is not measured by our endeavors to be great or our ability to be king of the hill... He died for us while we were still sinners!? He gave it all for us; his enemies... We are worthy because He has made us worthy with His blood; He spent His life to give us ours! We ALL fall short; ALL OF US. I struggle daily in my fight between flesh and spirit! Paul himself cried out to God to pull the "thorn" from his flesh three times! You know what God said? "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Look, we need our weaknesses to leave room for God's power to be made known in our lives. You are trying to earn your calling by asking Him to rid you of your faults, but guess what? You can't earn it! Your calling and your mission here on earth is NOT YOUR OWN!
You CANNOT do it without God and God is not going to make you perfect until we are all made perfect together in Heaven. So that means that you MUST rely on God to be your strength where you are weak. His grace is sufficient. Paul went on to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
And another thing; don't put so much pressure on yourself regarding your ministry and how and when and what-not. Your ministry has already begun! It began the day God reconciled you to Himself. Your "calling", (be it Youth Ministry, Pastoral, Missionary, Teacher or whatever), is only a small part of your purpose here on earth; God is painting a MUCH larger picture! Every choice you make, every road you take, every relationship you build; your whole life is your ministry and God has purposed you to be here! :)
So take a load off, and rest in the Power of God. Live life in the moments and stop worrying about what's to come and how your going to get there. Just trust in God and He will see you through to His Glorious conclusion! :)
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
~Isaiah 40:28-31
Grace and Peace to you all!
~Cameron :)
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