Discouragement

     Mark 10:9 "Therefore what God has joined together, let no man
separate."
     I am going to share with you all something I don't like sharing. I
want a wife. That's it plain and simple or, so it sounds. I've never had a
girlfriend before or any thing like that. I've tried and was told that I wasn't
their type. I found out later that I was told that because women often want
the bad boys. Of which I can't, because of my conscience, even try to
become. Some people that I am close with told me that there is a lady out
there for me but, this only brought me into depression because I didn't
believe it. For I have heard that so many times it got to be monotones. I then
just asked God if such a woman exists. He told me she does and I rejoiced
and since I didn't know Her name I call her Stardust. That happened when I
was 19. I am now 24 and still waiting with no prospects in sight. Know that I
am not purposely looking for her. It's just something that I am anticipating.
      However, I got discouraged at the age of 21. I knew that God said
she exists but, I got discouraged. That discouragement sent me down a
spiral that I wish that no one would ever go down. I did things I regret and
forever will regret. Yet God met me there and lifted me up from " My pit of
despair." I say "my pit" because I put myself there. I need reminding of His
promise and He gave to me in His word, though I forget where it was. It
simply said "do you not know that God is faithful?" I needed that. He made
sure I wouldn't forget those words too. Because here I am 24 and getting
discouraged again. I am hearing of people getting together and people back
home getting married. It honestly is hard to hear those things.
     However, I am not going to get discouraged because I know that it
paralyzes and stops me and anyone who gets discouraged to stop doing
the work we are called to. God gave Mark 10:9 as an encouragement.
Because from where He stands, I am already married. So this verse is my
confirmation verse and a verse to look to when this poison of
discouragement gets into me because it is only a matter of time before I it
comes again. Thank you for listening to a tired old story and I hope it helped
you some how.
      Praise God for Stardust and His words of comfort and
encouragement.

Where would I be?

    Romans 8:1 " There is therefore now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according
to the Spirit."
   A thought I do not like to entertain is the thought of where I would be without Jesus. I don't like to think of it because of how grim it would be. Ultimately, I would be in Hell, burning forever! With no hope, love, mercy, or grace. However, on our temporal plain of existence. I could've been I murderer, taking lives from people and maybe even sending people to Hell. I could've been a thief, stealing from others and making their lives miserable. Maybe even to the point where they commit suicide. I could've been fornicator, treating women as a form of entertainment and pleasure. Having children but, leaving them fatherless. Destroying families and causing those children to do the same. Families need a father and a mother to show the children how a family should be. To be a living the example of love. I could've done so much harm in this world and laughed at it.
    However, this is not the case. God gave me a family that lives that example of what a family should be like. They showed me love at every turn and because of them I have Jesus in my life. God called me to Himself before I was born by working in my parents' lives. I praise God for my family and the example of love they have shown me.
    Now if you don't have that, don't think you are not reachable. Each of us have different backgrounds and stories and that is the beauty of it. All that we have done and went through cannot separate us from God and His love. He wants us to come to Him but, He will not force us to come. We must choose Him. If you have chosen Him, REJOICE!!! Because " There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Heaven has never seemed
so close.
    I will never forget the day I first believed, I was a little child and my Dad told me of the way. My Dad and Mom told all of their children of Jesus and that He is the Saviour. More importantly he told us that we are sinners and we need Jesus to be saved from Hell. Thank you Dad, I love you.
    Praise God for "all" that happens, for He is glorified through our lives.

And Even More Life

           Hello again everyone. Sam here with a little update. We did our last kid's club for a while but they will be back next year. Until then, we will be doing a few other things. One thing we will be doing is volunteer work at a hospital slash mentally disabled care facility. I honestly am very uneasy in a hospital. I just don't like them but, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We might also be doing more out reaches in Antigua, or maybe even Guatemala City. We have a team from Florida here now and they are going to help with the hospital and even maybe the out reaches. Please pray for us all, the battle is very real here and all of us can feel it.
          Sometimes I feel like a soldier on the frontlines, It is hard to be away from family. Especially now, since I was always there during Christmas. However, God has me here for a reason and I am glad to be here.
          Praise be to God for all that He does and more.  Merry Christmas :)

                                                              Last Kid's club

                                                         Us all packed in the car!

And my first Thanksgiving away from home!

More life

The last few days, there has been a tech fast. I am glad for it as well. If you can take your ear buds out for a little while, I can guarantee that you can find peace in the quiet. Also seeking the Lord and His word will be more wonderful. Thanksgiving is going to be weird not being home for that since I have never been without my family on the holidays. Christmas is going to be weird too. I also won't be home for a few birthdays and that is hard for me. However, life isn't about me. I am here for a reason and even though I miss my family and friends, I am glad to be here. Here is a picture of my intern team.

                                                   (left to right) Zeke, Kensie, Rachel, and I :)

Life Here

             So, This time I'm going to tell what is happening here. A few weeks
ago, there was a pastor's conference and that went very well, even though we
were all running around doing everything that happens behind the scenes. No
body sees us doing what we do but, that doesn't matter because I know one
who does and that's all that matters. We all had fun throughout the process
but, it was strenuous. After the conference we cleaned up all the rooms and
got a few others things done. Now, there isn't much work to be done but, there
is still some things to do. Since there isn't much, we went out into town to pass
out bibles and tracks. People take them gladly but, I don't know if what we are
doing is actually helping. However, that is not for me to know, God knows what
goes on and all I have to do is trust He will reach those people. He is capable of
doing more than that though. Later my team and I just went around town and
talked, looked in shops, and talked with some people. It was nice to be out in
town even though I personaly don't like going out. I acually like staying home
and doing things there, not that I am afraid to go out, I just feel I can do more
good at home. It's hard to believe that a month and a half has gone by. It will be
hard to leave here but, it is going to happen so no reason to fight it. This
doesn't apply to every situation though. There are things that should be fought
for.
            Thank you all for your prayers and support.
            Praise God for all He does.

The Church

We helped make the thing from the ground up!

 

First Church Service

A few people that came to help with the Pastor's conference.

Great people and they were fun to be with!

Bilingual teaching at the conference.

More of the team that helped us with the conference.

Still great people!

Having fun making dough! He's a really fun guy too!

 

I am missing my family and friends back home but, people like these make this fun and the army of God great!

Praise God for His soldiers who are willing to do the work joyfully.

Listen

    Proverbs 23:19 "Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way."
    I've pondered this verse for a while now and by thinking about it, it showed me how unwilling I am to not listen. To go with what I think should be done instead of listening to others and what they have to say. I wasn't extreme about my way but, wasn't listening either. Then there's the part about guiding my heart in the way. Honestly, when I first read it. I thought is said "the right way" not "the way". I have always heard it said that Jesus is "the way". I believe this as well. So once the correction was made it made more sense to me. So, I am to listen more and read more about "the way" (Jesus).
    That is what I am going to do.
    Praise God for His word.
    Things are going good by the way. I do miss my family back home and it brings me to tears when I think of them. I love them very much and all they have taught me always comes to mind throughout every day. I praise God for my family. It's difficult not being with them. However, I am a soldier and will press on for the glory of God!

Life

       Romans 6:8-10    8"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God."
       Many people want eternal life, or youth, but are unwilling to go to God for it. Some say " I don't want to be bogged down by all the rules and traditions" or " I don't want to have to change the way I live." These are sad reasons to not want to live forever. Some of them just say that God doesn't exist which is not true, He does exist and the evidence is very convincing! When I die or the Lord takes me home, I will live forever! How awesome is that! All you who read this ask yourself if the same is true of you. If yes, Praise God! However, if you can't say that it is true of you then all you have to do is ask Jesus into your heart. He is waiting to come in but, He will never force His way on you. I ask you to ask Him in, because I want to see you in Heaven :) I want the whole world to come to heaven.
       I'm going to pray for those who don't yet have Jesus.
       Praise God for life eternal!

My Past

          Romans 6:4-7  4" Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin."
          My past is my weakness, knowing the evil I have done always beats me down. Every time a person tells me I did something great I tend to ingore what they said because I know myself and that I am not great. I tend to throw myself out in the cold and justify it by saying I deserve it. I will deny myself pleasures that I can have because of that way of thinking. I deserve nothing! I have told myself this so much that it has been ingrained in my mind. It is true that I do deserve nothing however, God is so gracious in His giving but, because of this mindset I push His blessings away.
         These passages draw me to tears, knowing forgiveness from God and that my past is forgiven is an amazing thing. My past should no longer hold me down and I should walk in the newness of life given to me by God Himself! I have died and He has given me a new body, that is not supsepible to sin. Not tha I will no longer sin but, that I now have a choice to make each day. Do I choose God or do I choose to sin?
         I do not plan on sinning ever again but, I am human. However, I will pray for God's guidance throughout my days.
          Praise God for His Forgiveness of my past and His blessings.

PS. I will be trying to post something new every Sunday, thank you for waiting.

God's Power

       Romans 6:2-3 " Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any
longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into His death?
       I'm back here in Guatemala and feeling great! We just had kids club!
Which was and is still amazing. Ministering to these kids is a wonderful thing,
also helping the staff here is good too. The ten days I was home almost seems
like a wonderful dream that I had. It was amazing to be home but, it went by so
fast. God's work is awesome!
       Well, anyway back to the text. If we have been saved we need no
longer fear or commit sin. God has given us His power to prevail over sin, to have
victory over it. All we have to do is make a choice, to sin or not to sin. I cannot
blame God If and when I sin, because it is I who has committed it not God. God
doesn't give us more than He knows we can handle either, so it is always my
fault if I sin. Again, God has given me His awesome power! I no longer have to
sin, not that I won't I am human after all, but it is now my choice to make. It is
your choice as well, if you have been saved. If have not been saved, first of all
you need to be to save yourself from judgment day, second I believe those
who have not been saved don't have the power to stop sinning. Not that all
unbelievers are horrible people, we are all horrible people saved or not, but
that they can't say no to sin or more accurately, the sin that always gets them.
Their weak spot. All of us need God's awesome power to not only be saved
from hell but, also to live righteously.
       One way to energize myself in that power is to get into His word
which I plan to do.
        Praise be to God for His Awesome Power!

Good Qeustion

             Romans 6:1 " What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that
grace may abound?"
             I've been home for a two days now and the old life is coming back to
haunt me. The first day I was home I didn't read my bible, that is a problem.
Because if you're not in the word, you're in the world. Not to say that I was
intentionally not reading my bible or that I was in the world, I was with my
family. When I got home, I noticed how much stuff I need on my belt or in my
pokets to get by. All this stuff that is nessesary for me to function here in the
U.S. Don't get me wrong, it's very nice to be back but, all the stuff just got me
thinking of things here. There are so many distractions here! I knew something
was wrong that day and just now found out that it was because I didn't read the
bible. Again, just something I was thinking.
              Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? If we sin, we can
just go back to God and get forgiveness right? So why not just sin as much as we
want? If this is what people think they might have to consider if they are saved
or not. NO follower of Jesus will just continue in sin, knowing it is wrong. So,
continuing in sin, when you have been saved by Jesus is wrong, obviously.
Jesus wants us to not sin, because He sees want sin does in someone's life. Our
sin that we comit does things we are unaware of, it effects people all around
us. So why continue in something that harms others?
             I don't plan on continuing in sin, not that I won't sin in the future but,
I am going to do the very best I can to not go back to the old life of sin.
             Praise be to God for His word.

Unity

            Psalms 133:1-3 " Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head. Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing- Life forevermore."
            Now I don't understand much of the second verse, the beard thing but, the first and third verses make more sense to me. I know how good and how pleasant it is for brethren do be dwell together. I've been living with a few guys here in potter's field. At first it wasn't easy to dwell together, but as time went on I adapted and I believe that they did too. Tomorrow we leave for home and then to the field for 6 months. This is where things get interesting, we are used to each other and now we won't have most of our team with us to help with the kids or anything else. Not that we don't know how to do it, it was just easier with everyone helping. Things will also be quieter around here which is what I thought I wanted but, now I would rather have the noise and the fellowship than the quiet. I will miss all my team members that are going to different locations but, there is a job to be done and we all have no time to stop. Life goes on with or without you! The choice is yours to do what you should do or shouldn't do.
           I will do what God has me here for, even though I don't know what that entails completely.
           Praise be to God for Unity in Christ.

Just Love

          Acts 2:46-47 " So continuing daily with on accord in the temple, and breaking  bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
          I often ask my self if love if is enough. Is love enough to help people? Is love enough to give what I have? Is love enough to go out of my way? Jesus thought so, He came, showed the way, died, and rose the third day for love. Even though He knew He would have to suffer for me, He was willing to do so because He loves me. I've heard the phrase " Jesus loves you" so much that it became dull, but in the three months here in Guatemala have given me a deeper and fresh meaning of that phrase. Just imagine what six months will do!
          Love is enough to come here and serve, I pray that God will give me His love for these people.
          Praise be to God for Love.

Self Sacrifice

         Acts 2:45 "and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone who had need."
         How am I supposed to put this kind of self sacrifice into words! The last verse was hard enough. Now they sold all they had and divided it! This isn't the first time I have read this verse but, it is the first time I stopped to consider it. I must say that it would very difficult to sell everything I have and divide the proceeds. This verse is telling me the unity that the early church had and how amazing they displayed their love for the body. Another example of what God can do in the lives of His people.
         This example just strengthens my resolve to continue doing what I can for the body of Christ.
         Praise be to God for yet another example.

Harmony

        Acts 2:44 " Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,"
        The qeustion that I ask myself when I read this is do I live in harmony with the people here in Ignite, with my family, or with my church? Do I truly share what I have with everyone in the body? One thing is for sure, I do try. I know that others here in Ignite have shared what they have with me but, do I really share what I have. Often I want to keep what I have and not share it. I have a false sense of what I have, now that I think about it, it isn't really mine. Everything I have is God's, everything! So why should I keep any of it for myself? We are all in one body, even though we are different and have different functions, everything that is thought to be mine belongs to everyone else. For we are all connected. This is perfect Harmony I believe, that we all help whoever has need in the body. Not with a attitude of having to do it but, with a attitude of wanting to bless others. It doesn't even have to be things, it could be your time, your strength, and your mind that the body needs from you. The question now is, am I willing to do so?
        Yes, I am willing to help. In whatever the body needs, I will do the best I can to help.
        Praise be to God for harmony.

        Background Miracles
        Acts 2:42-43 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."
        Now we are a team of 18 interns serving here in fellowship and such. However, this passage is speaking of the 3,000 new converts! Over 3,000 people sharing bread and in prayer! Not to mention later in the text more were being added daily! Also, as they fellowship with each other, the apostles did signs and wonders! So a lot of cool things were happening all at once! I believe this kind of stuff happens today as well. Even though I may not see it or hear of it. It could be going on right now in Africa, India, Russia, or anywhere else on the planet. God does things in the background and makes a way for His word to reach people across the globe. I have read of people in India have had visions of God's word coming to them! The people God sent didn't know that when they came though. How many more things is God doing? It cannot be fathomed!
          My prayer is that God would send those He has prepared to hear His would to us and that we all would not shrink back but, be bold in sharing His word.
         Praise be to God for what He does in the background.

        Hello Again!
        So I am nearing the end of the first three months of training. How crazy is that! I feel like it went by fast. Things are great here, nothing like being in God's will. There are trials but, I would rather be in God's will with trials then anywhere else. As it says in God's word, " Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." That word patience is also translated endurance or perseverance. Trials are a good thing, without them we would feel like we wouldn't need God at all. We need Him even in the good times but, whoever asked for help when things are going good? I know that I don't. Don't think your trial is new either, there is nothing new under the sun. God has seen it all, so there truly is nothing new. Maybe a new name or a new era but, it's the same as it was in bible times. So put on the full armor of God and get ready for battle! I'll see you out there on the battle field! I love you all!

          Works worthy of salvation
          Matthew 5:20 " For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
         The scribes and Pharisees were thought to be the top of the hill, cream of the crop guys when it came to living righteously. However, they may have looked righteous but, on the inside they were full of dead mans bones. They focused on the outward appearance and not the inward. So, we must not only focus on the inside but the outside as well to earn our way into heaven. However it is impossible to earn our way into heaven. I know that I sin everyday inwardly. Outwardly I may not sin, but I abundantly sin inwardly. I commit sin in my thoughts. I know it is a sin to think it because Jesus said it was. Matthew 5:27-28 is an example of inward sin. Already we have failed to earn it because you have to be sinless from the time you could walk to now. When I was a little kid, I stole a cookie from the cookie jar and lied about it, yeah I'm going to hell for that. Seriously, that is worthy of condemnation because it is violating God's law! Honor your Mother and Father. So it is impossible to earn salvation, but there is hope. Jesus' righteousness can save us and He gives it to us freely! What He did is worthy of salvation. He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself and died for us. He then was raised from the dead the third day and is in heaven preparing a place for those who accept Him. If we accept Him as our savior and believe in Him and what He has done, we will receive salvation! How awesome is that!
          I have accepted Him as my savior and will be in heaven some day. I'm going to thank God for His righteousness tonight and pray His continual will in my life.
          Praise be to God for His righteousness.

          Practice what you preach
          Matthew 5:19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
         Telling people what they should do is not enough. You must live it. If you tell people not to go over the speed limit and then you go over the speed limit, people are less likely to listen to you. We must set an example for those we are teaching. Most of the time, our lives speak louder than our words. I'll use my parents as an example. If my parents didn't love eachother the way they do, I would not want to get married. Because of the relationship they have with eachother, I want that kind of relationship. They not only told us as children what we should do but, they live it very well. So because of they're example, they're words have meaning. Now, I'm not saying they were perfect but, they didn't quit on eachother and if I learned anything from my dad it's this. Never quit on family, friends, or life. Also, if you're having an argument, be the first to stop and say you're sorry. Or in anything, say you're sorry. It's not worth it to be right if the other person gets hurt in the process. I would rather be wrong, even if I'm not, if it would save my relationship with a person.
         I thank God for my parents and want to be just like my dad and never quit.
         Praise be to God for examples.

       Future
       Matthew 5:18 " For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
       The law will continue till the end of the earth. Until we get to heaven sin will remain and so will the law that shows us our sins. The law is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. The law is not the problem, it merely shows the problem. It shines a light in the darkness and reveals the sins of us all. Now, I'm talking about God's law and not man's. Obviously man's laws sometimes go against that of God's laws. Man has a few hundred laws, where as God has only ten. His laws also deal with the inward problem, the heart. Man's laws are full of holes that can be bypassed easily. Where as God's laws have no such holes and cannot be bypassed. Neither can they be followed perfectly and that is the reason Jesus had to come and die for us. because we couldn't save ourselves. God didn't make unfair laws though. The laws He made are very fair and just, it is just that we are not able to follow them because of our sinful nature. You have probably heard all of this before, But even if that is true. It is good to hear truth again and again. Truth sets you free. I have said lies to myself over and over again and believed them to be true, till of course God told me they weren't. However the same is true of truth. If you tell yourself truth over and over again, it will stay with you forever. That is why we memorize bible verses. So that we can hold on to truth and not lies. Memorizing the bible has helped me a lot and it will help you as well. I encourage you all to memorize at least on verse a week. It's your choice to do it or not though. I'm just suggesting you to. I plan on memorizing a verse a week, because that gives me more ammo to shoot down the lies.
         Praise be to God for His word.

       Fulfillment
       Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."
       Praise the Lord for coming to fulfill and not to destroy. If he didn't fulfill it we would be out of luck. There would be no salvation from sin and death. Our lives would be meanningless. So, praise the Lord! There is salvation from sin and death! "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"! I am saved from sin and death, I needn't fear anymore. Jesus did the impossible, HE saved a dying world! Now all I need to do is tell people the good news. I plan on doing just that, and I pray that God will send people to me. So I can tell them of Him.
        Praise be to God for fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.

         Light
         Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
        This verse is like a "check your motives verse". What are my motives for being here, for helping these people, for doing outreach, and so on. I am to let my light shine before men. I'm actually not a very social person, I like being by myself. I also like observing others from a distance. Sounds creepy but, I'm not being creepy when I do it. I just watch and listen. However, I am supposed to shine before men that they will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven. This text is pretty straight forward. Do good unto the Lord that others will see it and glorify God. Obviously there is no room for self in the text. If I work towards my own glory, it may happen and I get all the attention but, that would be wrong. God created and saved me. There is no room for me to say what I've done in light of what He has done. Again, I could say all the good I've done but, it wouldn't even come close to what He has done. I have asked the Lord to show me if something is in the way of my lamp that shines for Him.
         Praise be to God for saving me and you.

         Walk it
         1st Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
         This verse reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:3 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own?" I have no right to tell others about their wrongs if I do them myself. If I smoke, I can't by the way, I can't tell others not to smoke. Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, lest you be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." When I am placed in a leadership position, I will not ask someone under me to do something I am not willing to do myself. I won't ask them to sweep or mop a floor unless they have seen me do it. I need to show them that I am not asking them to do the dirty work because I don't want to. I would be happy to do it so they don't have to but, as the leader I am often called else where to do my job as the leader. Also by showing them that I would do it, shows that I don't just talk a good talk but, I also walk it. That's the kind of leader I want to be, one who practices what he preaches.
         Praise be to God for these verses.

       Real Contenders
       1st Corinthians 9:26 "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."
        I know why I run and fight. It is for God's glory. I am here on earth to do the Lord's will and that is all. What else is there to do that is meaningful? Again, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but, loses his soul? Nothing this world has to offer will ever amount to what God has to offer. You could rule the entire earth but, when you die, what was it all for? God is greater and has greater things for us than the world.
        Therefore we must "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) That word "contend" means to fight for. it's the word we get contender from. So we must be contenders for our faith. It's a battle out there and although it would be easier to just give in to the things of the world, it's not worth it! Fight, fight for your faith! Fight until the Lord calls you home but, when you don't feel like you can go on. Call on the Lord, ask Him for strength to press on. He will answer that prayer! He loves us and "He will neither leave nor forsake us". Don't give up! KOKD " Keep on Kicking the devil". That's what I plan on doing.
        Praise be to God for being there with us.

              Race to Win
              1st Corinthians 9:25 "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."
 Someone who wants to win a race or whatever they're competing in, will train and train hard. No one who competes in something will go in without some kind of training. I ought to train myself in the word that I might receive the prize of an imperishable crown. All who believe in Jesus are going to heaven but, who is willing to go all out for Jesus? You can cruise your way there ignoring what God would want you to do, He doesn't need us to work for Him we get to, or you could ask His will upon your life. I did and now I'm here in Guatemala! We've done some street ministry here and some people gave their lives to the Lord! Even if they are the only ones to give their lives to God, this whole trip would be worth it just for them. Even if only one person were saved by the end of this trip, it would be worth it. Serving God isn't complicated, all I have to do is what He says to do and He will do the rest.
               During the skit on the street, I didn't have to do anything but act out a mime. No talking, just silent acting. I didn't need to know the language, I just needed to act. I must admit I got stage fright all the way up to the point of starting, but when I started acting all fear flew away. It's like that in life as well. God tells us to do something and until we start doing it we will be afraid to do it. However, once we start doing it, all fear goes away. So start training, there is a long race ahead. As for me, I plan on racing to win!
               Praise God for saving lives.

                   1st Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
                   Coming near the end of the 3 months of trainning,  this verse is perfect. God has a way with timing. He always is on time, but it's His time of course. Now that's interesting, His time, He created time and thus all time is His time. Why should I then complain if something interrupts my so called time. In this way of thinking, I have no time other than what God gives me. There is actually no such thing as Sam's time. All time belongs to God and still He is gracious and gives us time to have fun or just rest. You all probably already knew that time is God's and I'm just now realizing it but, I am comforted by the fact that time is God's and I have no right to say " this is my time." We all say "in God's timing" but, is there anything else then His timing? Do we have anything in this world that He didn't give us? I get up in the morning but, it is God that gives me oxygen to live. It is God who gives me clothes to wear and food to eat. I cannot say " I have provided for myself" when I didn't. Everything I have is from God! My clothes, food, shelter, bible, friends, my wonderful family, everything! Everything is a big word and it's true. If I were to make a list of everything, how long do you think it would be? God made it all and gave it all to us! How great is our God!
                 Praise be to God for everything!

                          Here comes 1st Corinthians 9:22a "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak."
                          What are we willing to sacrifice for the furtherance of the gospel? Am I, I should ask, willing to be all things to all men that I may win some to Christ. I would hope so. However, I must consider what it means to be all things to all men. I don't have to be a drug addict to reach them. I should share my testimony with them, of how God took me from my own personal addiction and set me apart from that for His glory. How He can do that for them as well. To reach people, I must be willing to be seen as weak and not having power in myself to save myself. I must give all the glory to God and through my life show what God has done and is able to do. For it is truth that apart from God I wouldn't be where I am. God saved me, I am here because of Him. No matter how I may look to others, if I look spiritual, it's because of what Jesus Has done in my life and not of what I've done. I cannot emphasize this enough that ALL the GOOD in my LIFE is FROM GOD! I have no reason to boast about myself. I pray that I never lose sight of that.
                           Praise be to God for His goodness.

                          Now on to Philippians 3:12-13 " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,"
                         Jesus has me in His arms! I have more than I could ever want! No matter the pain, no matter the cost, I am His and He is mine. Even though He knows my heart and all that I've done, He loves me! I am very convicted that I haven't loved Him the same way. I am not perfect, nor will I be til He comes but, I am going to do my best for God. He deserves my very life, which is my reason able service. I need to forget my past mistakes and press on! My past mistakes hold me down, I see that now. I am haunted by the fact that I am a sinner, but God, who knows everything wants me. His grace and mercy never ceases. I will not keep indulging my flesh however. Even though God has forgiven me does not mean that I should keep sinning. No, I will forget the things that are behind and reach forward to the things that are ahead!
                         Praise God for Forgiveness of sins and His love, grace, and mercy!

And for raising the sun everyday!

                Philippians 3:11 "if, by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
               " By any means", that's interesting. Who is actually willing to doing anything to have eternal life? A lot of people do so much just to stay young but, their attempts are in vain. I believe that everybody has a desire for immortality. However, not everyone is willing to just believe in Jesus. That is kind of sad that the only way to immortality is so simple and easy that many won't choose it. Narrow is the path that leads to life and few will Choose it. A lot of things stop people from accepting Jesus, such as pride, worldly pleasure, and not wanting to give up the things of the world, just to name a few. What does it profit a man if he gains the worlds but, loses his soul? So many people work towards their future in the world but, very few work towards their future in Heaven. I can't wait to go to Heaven, my home. What a great day that will be! I will continue to check myself, in what is holding me back.
                Praise be to God for all He does for the world.

              Philippians3:10 "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,"
             Death is not something people are happy to do. People don't say " yeah, lets die that'll be fun!" Death is looked down upon no where you are. The truth is that nobody truly wants to die, many will say that they don't really care about their life but, most of the time when faced with death they will run from it. In this passage however, death is something that is great gain! To live is Christ and to die is truly gain. Paradise is waiting for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus' disciples went to their graves for Him. They died horrible and painful deaths for Jesus and trying to save those who were killing them! The question I must ask myself is, "do I really believe that what I believe is really real?" Do I really believe that Jesus came and died and rose again? Do I believe that God will save me from Hell? Can God really use me to further His kingdom? Am I willing to serve others? Am I willing to draw close to Him? To read His word and take it to heart? To forsake all the things of this world and follow Him? To take Him at His word and go into the world not knowing what will happen? To not fear death? That God is always with me? That He loves me even when things get rough? To pray to Him and know He will answer? To stand on His promises? Not giving in to despair when circumstances are grim? To rely on His strength alone? I can go on but, that's enough for now.
          Honestly, I haven't lived like I believe all the above. It's hard to live such a way as that but, I do believe God can do it! He can train me to live this way! He Can! Not me! It's Him who made the earth! It's He who made the universe! Why then can I not grasp that fact that God Can do it? I am convicted by the fact that I don't fully believe yet! I don't just let go and let God lead. I am a prideful human being and pray in all earnesty that God will change that. I pray that God will change me into the vessel He wants me to be. That is my prayer for me. How about you? I cannot make the choice for you. Nor will God force Himself upon anyone. It must be the sinner's choice to accept or reject God. I do however, pray that you all will see your need for Him. Even though you may have accepted Him, what's stopping you from going deeper? I am going deeper, I am going to search myself in order to find out what is holding me back. I want to be able to say Yes to all of those questions above!
 Praise be to God for Life and Death.

          Philippians 3:9 " and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;"
          Left to myself, I would not last a second without falling back into sin. The only reason I can stand is because of the strength given to me by God. I have no strength apart from Him and it hurts to admit it but,  it's the truth. I didn't save myself from Hell, I couldn't even though I want to. I myself like to be able to say " I did it " or " I can take care of myself ". I like to be seen as a strong man, that's able to handle himself. The truth however, is that I can't and if I seem like I can, it's only because of the strength given to me by God. I want to stop sin myself but, I can't even see it without God. How can I then fight an enemy I can't even see? Sin is attractive to me! However, I know it leads to death. The reason that I can't fight it apart from God is because it's been a part of me for so long. It's like I'm the only fireman in the middle a blazing wildfire trying to stop it! I don't even have water to stop it! It's consuming my life and I can't do a thing about it! I need God's help in order to live. Without Him, I'm as good as dead! I call on God then hear thunder, right then God sends the rain and puts the fire out in a flash. I am learning of my powerlessness to stop the fires of sin without God's help. I will continually call on God to help me in my time of need.
           Praise be to God for His thunder and rain.

       Todays IBS is Philippians 3:8 "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
         There have been things in my life that I would not put down or get rid of for Jesus. Some of which I had no idea that I was unwilling to let go of. I even had things in my life that I put higher than God without even knowing. Now however, through God's mercy, I know what I have had higher and was unwilling to let go of. God graciously showed me what I was doing wrong and what I needed to change. Now I am not hindered by such things and can come to God freely and with thanks giving. Before, it was like I was a child coming to my Father with toys in my hands and not actually listening to what He wanted to tell me. I was too distracted by the toys to even pay Him any mind. He gently, put His hands on the toys and took them away. Now I can hear Him and know what He wants me to do. He mercifully gave the toys back but, told me to listen when He speaks. I will now hold Him higher than all that I have and I realize that all I have doesn't matter anyway. They will pass away, yet He will remain forever. I will continue to listen to whatever God wants to say to me, and not let my "toys" get in the way.
         Praise be to God for His mercy and grace.

         Hello everyone!
 It's nice to just write a blog instead of just post my IBS, not that it is a bad thing but, doing something different for a change is nice. So kids club went well today as I was in the class room for the first time and had to settle the kids down when they get wild. It's fun to be here with these kids and to serve the people here. It's not easy but, it is worth every bit of my time. It also has it's moments of awesomeness! I had four kids on my back today as I ran to the other side of the soccer field. Laughing all the way! God is doing amazing work through us as a team and a kid gave his life to Jesus today! How Awesome is that! There has been a little bit of an increase in attendees at church as well! God is at work and I get to see it! Talk about awesomeness! Every time we go into town for something, we bring little tracks with us and hand them out, God uses those to bring people to Himself! It truly is amazing to be here and witness the book of Acts being played out!
 Here are a few pictures!

 1st Corinthians 9:19 "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;"
 What am I willing to give up in order to show people Jesus that they might be saved? Much of what I have is a contradiction. I am a fan of two extremes. On the one hand I really like a game called  Dead Space, although I hate the fowl language, I like the game because it's fun to get scared. Monsters coming from every corner and trying to servive on what little ammo I have, what fun! Then on the other hand I really like My Little Pony, because it has no fowl language, no crude humor, and a lesson is being taught. There are many more things that I like but, that list is too long to put on here. These things I am free in Christ to do however, even though I am free to play and watch them, I should not let them get in the way of real life. Let me tell you a real situation I had with my nephew and Dead Space. My nephew is about 13 years old and when he came over to the house without me knowing. I was having fun surviving and running from monsters in Dead Space. However when I learned that my nephew was there, I turned off the game because it's too much for a little boy. I will not let him play it or watch it and I am willing to turn it off because I want to guard his childhood. Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all. Or I could say "I have become all things to all men that I might win some." Although I really like the things I have, I will not let them get in the way of my serving. People are much more important than my own entertainment. Therefore, I will keep people in mind when making a disision about what I should do or wear.
 Praise God for freedoms!

 Luke 17:10 "So likewise you, when  you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, We are unprofitable servants, We have done what was our duty to do."
 I have no reason to be prideful when the tasks I have done are complete. I have no reason to say " what a great servant I am." Because there is nothing I can do to amount to more than what God does! For " They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." Romans 3:12. Now, just because I can't do enough or all I do won't amount to anything doesn't mean I will stop serving. I will continue to serve for it is my duty. Even if I get nothing in return, this life isn't about me. Naturally I want to do my own thing but, through God's strength I shall do His will. Still, it isn't easy, for I am required to die daily. Daily I must call on the name of the Lord for His help and guidance. It isn't a one time thing, God must be the center piece everyday and all it takes is saying in the morning " Lord God, please help me to do your will today. Please give me a clear mind and your strength to do your will. I can't do it on my own, I need you, please. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen." Daily I pray this prayer, it's not the same each time I pray it but, I wouldn't get through the day without God there with me. The thing is He won't force Himself upon me, I have to ask Him to come to me and to help me. Which He is more than willing to do but, again I must ask Him to. I will continually pray for God's help and strength.
 Praise be to God for His willingness to help even though I don't deserve such.

 Luke 17:9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things commanded him? I think not."
 How many times do we thank someone for doing something for us? How often do parents thank their children for doing what they were told? The giving of thanks is very important and should be said to those who help us. I would say that 9 out of 10 times I forget to thank God for all He has done. Just like the 10 lepers who Jesus healed, I usually thank God 1 out of 10 times. Since this is true I'm going to list 10 reasons I should thank God.
 1. Eternal life through Jesus Christ
 2. God's guidance through the bible (God's WORD!)
 3. God's love, which I don't deserve
 4. Sight
 5. Hearing
 6. The ability to talk to Him
 7. My Parents
 8. My brothers and sisters
 9. My friends
 10. Many gifts He has given me, I have more than just food and clothing!
 I could actually keep going on but, there would not be enough room in all the computers in the world to hold a file that big! God has the same for all of you as well! He does so much for us and doesn't get the thanks He deserves and if we did want to thank Him we would be praising Him all day and night. Praise without ceasing, That's all we could do but, even that would not be enough thanks for what He has done! How amazing is our God! I plan on thanking Him 10 times a day at least! I encourage you all to do the same, I know it has made my day better already!
 Praise be to God for His blessings that I don't deserve!

              Now here is Luke 17:8 "But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?
 People can get pretty bossy and selfish. Even among Christians their are these kinds of people but, we are called to act better than this. Treat your neighbor as yourself, remember that one? I love how the bible is full of connecting verses and proves itself to be right. Some verses also can be taken the wrong way though. Like some who will take the word of God and make it into what they want it to say so that they can live a sinful life. Not only that but, they also lead people astray with their corrupt doctrine. There are many passages about these kinds of false "teachers". The book of Jude teaches on what to look out for. It says "For certain men have crept in unnoticed" These guys are in the church and the church doesn't even notice! It is sad that these people come in to disrupt the church and not to come to learn about God. They come for their selfish wants and desires. I'm not saying that these men cannot be saved, they can be and I pray that they will be saved. However, what they are doing is not in service to God. They are not serving God. Why do we serve God? Is it to find favor in His eyes? Is it to maybe get something from Him? I have heard that there are people who keep a score card and say " Ok God I am going to turn in all these points for that new car" or whatever they want. This to me is not only wrong, but also disrespectful to God, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE! Why is it that we think we deserve anything! We don't deserve anything but, Hell! However, God is merciful and treats us way better than we deserve. Jesus payed the price for our sins and because of His sacrifice, we can go to heaven! God is love and I would be a fool not to want to serve a God who does what He does! So I will continue to serve God to the best of my abilities.
 Praise be to God for all that He has done!

        Philippians 2:8 now, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross."
        Jesus knew who He was! He knew He was God. He knew all the power He had, He could have just made everybody obediant to Him. He could just destroy the earth and start over or not ever again. I think that we often assume that God won't take our life away. He can! What is stopping God from destroying the earth? It's His love, and we are taking advantage of His love. We are not giving everything to Him as is "are reasonable service." We own everything to the One who gave His life to save our lives. I find it sad that some people say to God " thanks for saving me" but, then they go about their day like nothing happen. ( If this isn't you then I am not talking to you, I'm talking to those to whom this applies.) I was once like that, I would wake up in the morning and go about my day without even thinking of God and what He has done for me. I only talked to Him if I needed something. I only talked to Him if I needed help, obviously I was not in total surrender to His will in my life. However, I have come to a point of total surrender, and it was scary at first. I
had no idea what was going to happen. I simply said "ok Lord, I am here. Do what you want to do. This body, which you made, is yours." He then began a new chapter in my life and it hurt. I was broken, shattered really but, I needed to be. If He didn't do that, I would not have changed. Something He has shown me is that I had something in my life that I worshipped more than Him and that needed to be taken away. It hurt but, again it was needed to be done. Things still get in the way but, they are easier to push aside now. I have a much an actual relation with Jesus now and it's only getting better! I'm not saying that life if getting better, if anything, it's going to get harder. However, Jesus is with me, to help me get through the tough times and to lead people to Him. There are going to be storms but, the storms are not nothing in comparison to the eternal life I will
have in heaven with God! I encourage anyone who is living like I was to surrend to God and let Him have His way. It is hard, believe me I know it's hard but, I also know that there is nothing better than to be in the Potter's hands. He will neither leave nor forsake you. Please make the change in your life. You don't have to go on missions, that's not what I'm saying. Just let the Lord direct your steps. Just say in the morning " Lord please direct me to where You want me to go, to say what You want me to say, and to do what You want me to do." It's a daily thing too. Every day I get up I'm in a battle but, God is there with me, not to mention my teammates as well. I can prove the change in my life by looking at my first blog post, what a difference! I love God for His love and mercy!
            I will hold on to the promise of John 3:16 and continue to let God have His way in my life. Praise be to God for His unsearchable ways and His kindness.

 Now here is another IBS, Philippians 2:7 " but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men."
 Jesus left everything to come down to earth and save us from our sins, let me say that again. Jesus, God's Son, left all the joys of being in heaven and came down to earth and to serve a horrible bunch of people and also die for them. I know a few people that they think they are doing a great service when they go on a mission trip for a week or two. What they're doing is good but, their hearts usually are not in the right place. Then they go home to America and say "what a great person I am for helping those people." I'm talking about myself actually. I thought I was a great person for just two weeks of service. Now I am here in Guatemala and serving people for 9 months and I don't think I am worthy to do this. Please don't think I using false modesty because I'm not. I really don't think I'm worthy to do this for God but, He has given me the great honor to do so. Not that I have some great quality or that God needs me, because He doesn't. That is why I say it is a great honor to do this.
 Now Jesus left heaven and everything in it. I didn't leave everything I had in America. I have some of my things that I could have left but, I didn't. Jesus takes on the form of a bondservant. I am here serving but, not like He did. I am being treated very well, not like a slave would be. Even if I get the job of cleaning toilets, Jesus washed people's feet. I can use a brush and some kind of soap for a toilet, Jesus used His hands. I cannot say it enough that No one can out do Jesus. People have told me I'm doing a great service and they are right but, Jesus did way better then I could do in my whole life on this earth. Doesn't mean that I will give up doing good works, it just means that I am not as good as Jesus and never will be. I will continue to serve as unto the Lord God Almighty and praise be to God for the great honor to serve He has given me.

     Ok on to Philippians 2:5-6 " let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus, who being in th form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God."
     I am not Jesus, so naturally I don't think like Him. In the same way I'm not my brothers or sisters, so I don't think like them either. However, I need to think like Jesus does. The phrase " What Would Jesus Do?" comes to mind. Years ago I didn't even consider what Jesus would do for I thought I couldn't even begin to think what He would do. This is because I didn't know Him Like I do today. I have heard it was said that when you hang around with someone, you start to act just like them. If you are with them a lot you can predict what they are going to say or do. With this knowledge, I realize I must hang around with Jesus to be able to know how to be like Him. I can't say I have been around Him enough, who can say that for that matter but, I want to be around Him more often. Tonight I plan to ask Him to show Himself to me as I start to read the gospels. Praise be to God for His Love and correction.

     IBS Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
     I am very greatful to that of my parents who have lived out this verse when taking care of my sibling and I. They took care of us even when we were being difficult and disobediant. As a child I didn't know how I hard I was being for my parents. Now I see how much my parents looked out for not only me but my whole family. I am have been greatly blessed to have the parents I have. They are a living example of how a family should be and I will not forget that. I found out when I was 16 that my family is a rare one. I heard so many stories of divorce and immorality that many parents would commit. Leaving their children torn and confused. How do you tell a child, "we just don't love eachother anymore"? They will not understand why. They are too young to even begin to understand why daddy, their hero who is tall and strong and they feel safe around him, and mommy, their angel even if she isn't beautiful they think she is for they know who she is, can't stay together. My heart is broken for these children and anger is stired towards what the parents are doing. I know how
important both parents are. Dad teaches by living out the way a man in the house should be and likewise mom, shows how a woman should be in the house. They also are there to lead the children to God, which my parents did. Not only that but, they have been a big support for my siblings and I. They through love, even though I didn't think it was love at the time, disciplined us. I could go on forever about how much my parents have done for my family and I but, That would take up a lot of everyone's time. I'll just say a few more things. My parents are a great example but, it's because they learned from the greatest example in the universe. God had shown them how to treat others. They are a testiment to God's love and how it effects a family. Pastors are also like that of parents. We are being taught by all these great pastors. They are looking out for us and teaching us how things will go, out in the world. They care about us so much as to tell us to watch out for certain things. If I am wise, I will listen to the words of these pastors. Not only the pastors but, my parents as well for both care for my well being.
     With that all that said, I want to be just like my dad who took care of his family. Who also followed God in times of trouble and didn't just give up when their marriage got rough. My prayer is " God, please mold me into a man like my father, a man who will follow You and look out for the intrests of others, a man who will not leave his wife and children for selfish desires, thank You God for your love and mercy on me, amen."

     The IBS today is Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
     Why do we do the things we do? Is it to help others or to lift ourselves up? Do we actually love our neighbor or do we secretly want somthing in return? These are all valid questions that I think should be asked very often. I myself like to help people but, sometimes it's because I want to be reckonized as someone great. Or sometimes it because they have something I want and I'll help them so that I might get it from them in return. We are called to love our neighbor as our we would love our selves. How often do we think of ourselves? I don't know about you all but, I know that I think of myself very often. Not too long ago I took it to the other extreme, where I would tell myself over and over these very words "I am trash, they are gold. I am trash, they are gold." The passage says lowliness of mind but, it doesn't mean that low. This wasn't a very heathy way for me to think, for I easily got depressed and let myself fall back into sin that I thought would comfort me but, left me in worse condition then I was in. Sure I was helping others for their benefit but, left myself out in the cold when I didn't have to. Love your neighbor as your self. It's ok to some extent to love yourself, for if you didn't love yourself how would you know how much to love your neighbor? My little sister said something to my mother about me and my little brother. Now my little brother and I love our little sister and we do things for her without question and hardly without thinking about it. So what she said to mom was "don't tell Tim or Sam I said this mom but, when they get girlfriends, who is going to get me gifts or play with me? Now don't get my little sister wrong, she loves us and I know she loves the time we spend with her far better than the gifts we get her. Anyway, my point is that I love my sister in a very heathy way. She is family but, also my neighbor. Something my sister also said about me specifically was, when I was filling out the application for Ignite. The application asked for two weaknesses and that was easy for me to fill out, too easy but, the next question was fill out two strengths and I was stumped by that one. When my little sister heard I could anwser it she said, " that's an easy one Sam they are honesty and generousity!" Now I don't actually think very highly of myself and I don't say this as false modesty or anything because I truly don't think highly of myself. However, to hear her say that without even thinking was nice to hear. To know that she knew me and what my strengths are is very comforting and God knows I needed to hear that.
     I'll close with just one more thing, God has used my little brother and sister greatly in my life to show me these things and because of them I want to be seen by how they see me, not how I want to be seen. I will continue to be honest and generous for God and for my little sister. Thank you for your time.

    This IBS is Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."
    The first part is "obey those that rule over you, and be submissive" Well, the first question is who are those who rule over us? It could be our parents, our boss, or our government. Obviously if the government goes against God we don't follow them but, do we obey the rules they set in place that don't go against God? Do you believe God is in complete control? Then believe God put all the leaders on earth in their positions for a reason and obey them in the Lord. It's actually that simple and if you want to know if they are against God in a matter. Pray to God and then read His word, waiting for Him to tell you so.
    The second part is why God put them there, or one of the reasons. "for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account." I would not want to be a leader that did not lead people in the ways of the Lord. Because he "will" have to give an account for the things he did. How scary it is know that, I'm not just talking about the president or your boss. The pastor of the church has to give an account as well. Maybe you are the leader, if so then it may be time to check what you do in your position. If you can't see anything wrong then I suggest praying that God will show you if something is wrong. He did in my life and I know He will for you. Things I didn't even realize were in the way hindered me from a closer relationship with Him and that's why I suggest praying to Him. Your life won't be the same.
    The third and final part is "Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." We are to let those who rule over us do it with joy and not with grief. Not that they are going to boss us around and have fun doing it but, we shouldn't cause them any pain or be hard to work with. I know this in my own life. I've had a horrible leader who would blame me for everything. I admit that some of it was my fault but, not all of it. I wanted to defend myself and say things but, once I thought about it, it wouldn't be very Christ like to do so. So, even though I wanted to fight, I held my tongue and it worked out better than it would have if I fought back. Once he got out what he wanted to say and I didn't say a thing, it ended right there. What would I actually gain from fighting back? My pride, my dignity, and my honor. Did you see all the pronouns in that? Only I would benefit from it. God would not have benefited from it, My testimony would most likely be destroyed and I wouldn't be able to witness to him. I would actually bring shame on my family's name. Not mention on God's name. I actually gain more for not fighting than for fighting, funny old world isn't it?
    I pray God will continue to show me what I need to change to be more like Him.

    This IBS is both Ephesians 6:1 "Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right." and Colossians 3:20 "Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord."
    Well, Children should obey their parents. However, who are the children? I think that often we think that because we are older, we don't have to obey are parents. I'm reminded of my mother and how she will still call me her baby and she is right, I still am her child. Being away from home makes me miss my Mom and Dad, not to mention the rest of my family.
    I need to realize that I'm also a child of God. If I then am a child of God, He is my Heavenly Father. If He then is my Heavenly Father I must obey Him. Not that I don't want to, I'm just giving another reason to obey God. He is a wonderful Father too. My Dad is great as well but, I must obey God first. Why not obey God anyway? He made me, do I need any other reason than that? I don't think so. God has given me life and the chance to serve Him. He doesn't need me here in Guatemala but, He gives me the opportunity to come here.
    So often many of us say "God needs me to do this" which is fine but, we "need" to realize that God doesn't need us at all. He made us yes but, He doesn't need us. For if we were to keep silent even the stones would cry out. God can make the stones sing of His Name. He can do anything but, sin, so He truly doesn't need us. However, He does want to use us and that is a great honor.
    Thank you for reading.

    Today's IBS is Romans 6:16 "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"
    We are given a choice in life, either serve God or the world. Nobody is going to make that choice for us and there is no neutral ground. We either go to God through Jesus to eteral life or, to the world to eternal death and suffering. I pray that we chose Jesus because it would be horrible not to see you all in heaven.
    We are slaves in this world, even if we don't want to acknowledge it. However, even though we are slaves, we can chose who we are slaves to. When I read this passage I'm reminded of the bondservant. A bondservant is a man who after serving 10 years so as a slave, is set free but, chooses to stay a servant to his master because he was so good to him. I have to tell you that God is the best master you'll ever have. He Won't leave nor forsake you. If you choose sin "which leads to death", Not just death physically but spiritually too. You Will Not Like the Result of your choice! I promise you!
    So, here is the question everyone must answer whether they like it or not. Whom do you serve? Think about it. I know I have. I choose Jesus!

   Hello again everyone!
   Today I want to share my IBS (Inductive Bible Study) with you. The verse for today is John 14:15 "If you love me keep my commandments"
  This verse is actually very clear and easy to understand. If we love God we should keep His commandments. Very simple however, not as asdone as it is said. I don't always keep God's commandments. I certainly try but, I am a sinner.
   I pray that God will show me what I need to change in my life to glorify Him.
   Praise be to God who will neither leave nor forsake me.

  It is so amazing that God is so gracious to give us his word. I'm constantly blown away by His word. Many things have happened these past few weeks and they were hard to deal with. However, because of the grace of God I am still here. I honestly believe that if God wasn't with me I would be dead. There have been times in my life that have completely overwhelmed me and I wished I was dead but, because of the Holy Spirit is with me. I am alive and writing this to you all now. The Holy Spirit Is the Great Comforter that God used to get me through those hard times. I am so grateful to God for all that He does and hope you all have the Holy Spirit inside you. For I know how much He can help each and every one of you.

           Hello all once again. I am glad to again be able to report the things that go on here. This has been a great experiance for me. I have learned so much from the staff and my team. I have also learned more about God. I honestly have learned more about God here than all the time I was at home. Not that home was bad, I just wasn't in the word of God. So in a way, it was my fault I hadn't learned so mush about God.
           I have had my spirit broken three times here. Not a fun thing to go through but, a necessary thing to go through. God has shown me so much about myself and His love for me. I am glad I went through the refiners fire.
           Well that's all I have now, I will report back ASAP. Praise be to God for He will neither leave nor forsake me.

    And I'm back with more info.
   
  Kids club happened today and it was fun to play with the kids. I don't much Spanish but, that doesn't matter to them. They play with me regardless. I don't know how to post pictures yet, but here goes nothing!

         YAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Five weeks into the program and I can now get this blog going :)
First of all I would like to think you all for waiting so patiently. I know you must have been wondering why I wasn't posting a blog. Well, here it is!

    First week was very difficult for me. I'm not a very social person, and suddenly thrust into a small community. Thankfully they all believe in Jesus and we have that common ground. I honestly don't have much in common with them beside Jesus. However, Jesus is all the common ground I need.
    I was broken the first week, too. Not an easy thing to go through but, a very necessary thing. For if God doesn't break me He can not use me. I was in tears all through the process and it was very painful but, as I said before it was necessary.
    Second week was fun and getting used to having friends my own age was interesting. I don't have many friends that are my age. It was hard to be with them because of that and the fact that they know things like famous bands and such. I don't know such things like that. It's still hard to be with them but, it's getting easier.
   Well internet is about to be turned off so that's all for today. I will make another post as soon as possible. Praise be to God.