Called to Serve

Start of a new semester

2010-09-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

So, after my crazy dating post this past July, I've had the opportunity to just take a deep breath and know and understand that God is in control of my life. I came to the conclusion that when God wants me to be in a committed relationship for the intentions of marriage, that he will bring that person along my path. Until then, focus on school and graduate in May. I can honestly say that this semester has gotten off to a pretty good start. I love all of my classes and professors. I take so much for granted going to a University where Christ truly does make a difference. I hate to beat myself up, but sometimes I feel like I just have to. I keep making the same mistakes over and over when it comes to study habbits, when it comes to maybe saying the wrong things that gives people the wrong impression about me and who I truly am and who I truly am not, trying to maintain a balance with work, school, friendships, ministry, etc.... I came to the realization that with Christ, I am everything that God wants me to be, and apart from Him, I am nothing. I am not even worthy to do the things that God allows me to be apart of. God is so good.... That's all

Michael

I am done with casually dating!!! :)

2010-07-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know the first thing that is going to come to your mind is.... what? LOL no but seriously, I am so sick in tired of going from one relationship to the next, thinking that this person is the right one for me and all that.... I was in a previous relationship for 6 months. I spent more time spending time with this person and not enough time with my relationship with God. The next person that I choose to date, I ultimately want to be my wife and let me tell you why I am done with dating. 1. TOO MUCH MONEY INVOLVED. Guys, taking girls out on dates is sooo flipping expensive and so what happens if you decide not to marry the girl? You just lost time and money right there. 2. Too many emotions running wild, especially if you break up with that person. I know the previous relationship killed me from an emotional stand point. I do have my moms genes... I am so flipping emotional it's not even funny and I have a hard time of letting go. The next girl that I wanna date with the intentions on getting married, I want her to help me in my walk with the Lord but at the same time, I wanna do just the same. Thirdly, I am praying about missions now more than ever... If you look at my facebook info. it says that I have been called into the ministry and I do have a heart for missions and I am a mission minded person. Now, I understand that I can't be all Jesusy all the time right? I know that I need to have a life of my own and do things that I wanna do. BUT, I need someone that will honor the Lord with me no matter if I go hiking, dancing, watching a movie... whatever. So, with this all being said... I have higher standards now more than ever.... and the next girl that will take an interest in me... well I will be able to tell if you truly love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength... so all in all, I am done with dating and going to wait patiently on my wife... love to all!

Michael

Faith. Hope. Love- and the greatest of these is Love

What Consumes You?

2010-06-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 4

Living for God

¹Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. ²As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. ⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins......

The first thing that came to my mind as I was reading this passage this morning was, this was who I was before I became a believer. I was doing what the pagans did, living in sin, lusting after girls, doing things that I shouldn't have done. BUT overtime, God revealed himself to me and told me that my sins had been forgiven and that even though I can't take back those previous sins, I'm forgiven. As Jesus told the women who had been caught in adultery in John Chapter 8, Jesus told the women that he does not condemn her and told her to go and sin no more. Now, that doesn't mean she won't slip up and get caught up in sin or trip up. But Jesus told her your sins have been forgiven, repent and live a life worthy of our Lord. If you are reading this blog, ask yourself this question: What consumes you? Seriously. Do you like to shop for the latest name brand clothing? Do you like to watch t.v shows that deliver a hidden message about a certain lifestyle but yet you watch them anyway? This world is not your friend and I hope people will understand that. This world is filthy, nasty, and absolutely disgusting.... What consumes you? I think we get so caught up in this world and being busy and doing so many activities that we don't stop and think, hey, I've gotta creator that longs to have a relationship with me, and I need to put more emphasis on spending time with Him amongst my busy schedule. By the way, I am talking to myself as well, I'm not perfect. I have 9 semester hours of summer school and work, and maintaining friendships with people and trying to reach out to others. BUT, God wants our time too, but the thing is He deserves our time... what a difference God will make in your life if you will let God consume you.... you see things from a totally different perspective... but it is for the better... What consumes you?

Love and Blessings!!

Michael Rom: 12:2

LET GOD TRANSFORM YOU!!!

2010-06-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, well a lot has happened since I wrote back in May. Quite honestly I have so much adrenaline and more of a passion for God that it is not even funny. Romans 12 NLT is when Paul is talking to the Romans and he says: My fellow brothers and sisters, I PLEAD with you to give your bodies to God because of all that he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice- the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. This passage of scripture kicks me in the tail EVERY SINGLE TIME I read this. If we do not live our lives in order to please him by loving others and other people irregardless of where they come from or their family background, then we are not doing our job as followers of Christ. People need to understand that there is a lost and dieing world and if we don't reach out to them, how are they going to know the gospel? I'm going ahead for the record and calling myself a hypocrite and yes I just called myself a hypocrite because I haven't shared my faith in a looong time but I need to get out of my comfort zone. God has not called me to be a missionary or anything like that because it takes people who are called to go into that part of the world, but if I'm at a restaurant or at a movie theater or whatever, I'm gonna do my best to bless people's lives. I'm going to try and tip the waitresses well, I'm going to hold the door for people and seek out the best as I possibly can in people. I want people to know that Jesus does live inside me and the joy that he brings me so that way, other people may know that Joy that He has given me. People, who read this, May you allow God transform your mind.... you'll be glad that you did :D.

Love and Blessings!!

Michael <>< Rom: 12:2

comfort zones

2010-05-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

You know, I was just thinking about something this morning. We as Americans have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be appreciative for. We have nice homes to live in, nice cars, clothes, any kind of restaurant you can think of. We are one of the riches countries in the world with a lot to offer, we have good schools and universities you can learn in, etc... The reason why I wanted to write about this is because America is a comfort zone. Yes our country is not doing too well because of the economy and jobs are diminishing, but in a lot of ways I think God is trying to teach us something. God calls us to be out of our comfort zone sometimes because if you just stay where you are, and are not in a constant state of change, then you are not growing. Yes, you might gain more wealth if you are to stay where you are working and might get a promotion and yes you might pay off your house if you stay where you are living and all that, but WHY does all of this stuff matter? Why do people put so much emphasis on materialistic things? Yes I mean I do want a good job with good health benefits and a nice house and I do want a masters degree once I finish undergrad in Dec. but eventually all of this stuff will fade, and as this stuff fades, we will begin to fade..... Matthew 6: 19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." It is as simple as that. As Christians we do not need to put so much emphasis on materialistic things. Yes, you have to live and yes I don't see anything wrong with buying a nice house if you can afford it or play a game of golf like I do on occasion, but have a balance of your life. If you do that and keep God in the center, everything will fall into place. God promises to take care of his children, yes you have to work for it, God won't show you anything until you put forth in effort. But, if you do work hard and you keep Him first, you've got it made. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with being out of your comfort zone every once in awhile, because it changes your life, it changes your life for the better.... Blessings!

Michael Rom. 12:2

Be Still

2010-04-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the semester is finally over after this weekend of exams for me and I can honestly say that I am thankful that it is over. This semester has been an emotional roller coaster for me mentally spiritually and physically. I can honestly say I have never been this stressed about future plans, goals, school, grades anything of that stuff. There's a song that Steven Curtis Chapman wrote called "Be Still" The first time I heard this song was when I was in choir at NGU. During this time, there was a ton of turmoil in my life. My parents were not on the best of terms, my grades were ok but not where they were supposed to be, there was also just added stress to my life because I just did not know where God is wanting me in all of this. One day I had the same stuff just running through my mind and then the Lord just stopped me in my tracks and said, Michael, Be Still.... Be Still.... I know the plans like it says in Jeremiah. I know you want to do so much and be so much to everyone and everybody and make a difference, but first you have to Be still and let me give everything to you little by little. I was reminded of that this morning just hanging out on Facebook for a few mins. If there is something that is bothering you and you just simply can't go to anyone for guidance, just let the Lord tell you to Be Still.... He is God...He is all knowing, all loving, all powerful, and mighty. He is everything to me.... Let Him be everything to you today....Be Still.....

Blessings of Love!!

Michael <>< Rom. 12:2

Ramblings From This Past Semester

2010-04-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking about this semester last night and how everything is starting to draw to a close for the semester. A lot has happened in the last 4 months. It's hard to believe that I also will be just alternating for Joyful Sound next semester, I will no longer be a full-time member. I have a huge summer coming up as I take 9 hours of summer school. After I finish summer school, I have 19 hours to finish in the Fall including my summer internship and take the GRE as well in August at some point so that I can apply for Grad. Schools. Needless to say, I have my work cut out for me. What I need more than anything is the ability to focus and to finish strong this semester. God has been way too good for me this semester and I pray that if I continue to follow and trust in Him. He will take care of the rest. A lot to accomplish for the next half of this year.... A lot.... Blessings!!

Michael <>< Rom. 12:2

Easter Blessings!!!

2010-03-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

So a little while ago, I posted a status on my Facebook about a pastor by the name of David Platt who said at an evangelism conference I attended stating: "We as Americans make Jesus into a figure and attempt to recreate him into an image that we feel comfortable about while we worship Him" David hit me so so hard because Jesus is who the scriptures say that He is and I am constantly reminded that Easter is way more than just Chocolate Bunnys or Family and Friends or spending time with Girlfriends or Boyfriends if you have one, but that Easter is a celebration of a Risen Lord. Jesus is the only human figure in all of History that died and lived again as a human after 3 days of death.... I want you to just stop and think for a minute? You mean to tell me that I worship a God who lived and died and then lived again? Not only do you worship Him, but you also need to have a personal relationship with Him. That is what He wants from us. That is what is so special about this Easter season and the Easter seasons to come..... I absolutely love this time of the year... it makes me smile and brings me so much peace a Joy to know that I worship a risen Savior.... It is my hope, encouragement, and wish for you that you worship Jesus not just this Sunday when we have our Easter attire on, but that we worship Him with our life all of the days of our lives... Blessings!!!

Michael <>< Rom: 12:2

What a Journey so far....

2010-03-10T20:15:00.001-08:00

So I definitely haven't posted anything in forever, so while I'm online and just not really tired at 11:15 pm on a Wed. evening, I thought that I might share what's going on in my life. So God has definitely taken me through some pretty amazing things. I now am in a relationship that I can honestly say that God put together. I would not say at all that this happened just by chance. I truly believe that the Lord brought my girlfriend and I together for a reason. I am so blessed to have her apart of my life and where the Lord is going to take us in this upcoming year :D! I just recently went to Nashville, TN for the NRB conference and for those that don't know what NRB is, it is called the National Religious Broadcaster's conference. I competed in a 36-dv challenge in which you have to write, shoot, edit, and turn in a 5 minute short story christian based film. I completed that last week. I can honestly say that the people who were involved worked extremely hard. My team and I placed First which was just a really cool experience for me. I am just in awe on how God is just so good and He's so faithful to me even though I have not been as faithful and even when I mess up, He lets me know it, but in the way that only He can let me know. My journey to graduation is @ hand. I've got friends, family, and a beautiful girlfriend to help me along the way that the Lord has provided to help me get to this accomplishment. Let's go get that diploma....

Still being transformed....

2009-12-14T16:47:00.001-08:00

So a couple of weeks ago, I shared with you some of my feelings regarding about this semester and how the Holy Spirit was really tugging at me when I felt like I was basically ignoring the Holy Spirit and how my soul was almost restless. After being home for a couple of days now, I have had the opportunity to really reflect on who I truly am as a follower of Christ. To be perfectly honest, I was very well into a state of depression. I felt like the world was against me, I had all of these emotions running wild around my mind. My reasoning for that is God is trying to get my attention. I almost had this everyone needs to feel sorry for Michael kind of feelings. Well, I am here to tell you I do not request that you feel sorry for me because it was all just petty stuff that I got over. Now with that being said, I want to go back into the actual title of my post, Still being transformed. I think every Christian or non-christian alike goes through changes, obviously bodily, some mentally, some spiritually, some emotionally. I can honestly say that I was so worried and so caught up on trying to finish this semester strong, which I did by the way by the Grace of God. I wanted to also know how I was going to graduate by next Dec. after moving my major for the FOURTH TIME. I wanted to know who I am supposed to be with for the rest of my life. I wanted to know what my future career is going to look like and all of these future things that every young single guy or girl is going through. It's funny how God can sometimes get your attention. Matthew 6:34 is a passage that I read through a daily email bible passage. It's funny how God reveals things to ya even through an email. "Do not WORRY about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its self, Each day will have enough trouble of its own." Basically, God has been speaking to me and has said, MICHAEL you are SO hard-headed. I am in control man!! Don't worry about who you are going to marry, or what you are going to do down the road in life. Let me take care of that!!! I figured that out this weekend after seing and meeting some of the most incredible people this past weekend and meeting some new friendships that I want to put my time into. If this is you right now, I know where you are and I have gone down this road WITH YOU!. Trust me, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We all just need to be still and let God do the work!! God is still transforming me... let him do the same for you....

Michael

Rom. 12:2

My life has been crazy. How about yours?

2009-11-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok so I definitely have not written anything in a very long time, but if people are getting tired of seing just the random blog post from 3 or 4 months ago, I'd figure I would give you guys an update of what is going on in my life. Well, this semester I have to tell you has been probably the most stressful semester for me. 19 credit hours, I am getting way more involved in the mass communications department at my school. I am going to a conference next year in Tennessee to compete in a movie challenge competition to hopefully provide more equipment for our department. Time has flown buy so much since I've been back at school. I can honestly say though that I have gone through the worst spiritual battle ever as well. I have been fighting with so many things and scheduling conflicts and trying to turn in assignments on time and doing the assignments well and not just settling for mediocrity. I know that God has an awesome plan for me but I have gotten to the point where I have gotten way too impatient and I am going insane to know what His plan is for me. I know what you might be thinking as far as a passage of scripture for me which would be Jeremiah 29:11 which is a fantastic verse don't get me wrong, but I have heard it over and over and over. I know God has a plan for me and I need to seek it out and continue to strive for that plan that He has for me. I have been through just like of stress which in turn into a little bit of depression, and I think for the most part I have always had some form of depression, but it's not taking over my life thank God, but I know that in the end, everything is going to work out for what God wants and desires but sometimes I almost feel like, well, am I doing what God is wanting me to do, which in turn, turns into spiritual, emotional, and physical conflict. My mind honestly just flows from one idea to the next, it's almost like my soul has been restless this entire semester of college. I have so many questions and so many things that I have become way too concerned about it instead of just being a college student and just enjoy life one day at a time. I also have been dealing with family issues as well and people who know my family know exactly what's going on so I will leave it at that. Sometimes I just wish God would just wake my family up and realize what they are doing and just be the people that God has called them to be just like God has called all of us to be vessels for Him. Other than that, I have learned a lot this semester about who I am as a person and that life is just crazy, people are crazy, not all, but some haha. Life has definitely put me in a world wind with so much school work this semster and that I still have so many dead lines to meet. Next semester will be the same for me as well because of the credit hours I have to complete and so that I can graduate next December if the Lord willing. Overall, God has been so good and so faithful to me. I just pray that He will continue to sustain me and give me strength to get through this last 3 weeks of school before a nice long winder Holiday. To all who read this: Don't give up. Take one day at a time. Keep striving for perfection and keep fighting for Jesus! Love to all,

Michael Rom: 12:2

SEND ME LORD!!!!

2009-07-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Obviously with the huge caps for this blog title Send Me Lord indicates there is a big huge blog post that I am going to give to you to read right? Well you are correct if you guessed yes. I traveled to an M-Fuge lifeway camp in the upstate in South Carolina and I experienced Life in a mighty and powerful way this past week. People who know me, know that I want to know what my future will hold for me, who I'm gonna marry, what kind of car I'm going to drive, what kind of Job I'm going to have. It is pretty clear to me that this life is totally and completely in vain. This life is only temporary, It is quite amazing to me that God called me this summer to be a minister to a group of students this summer to spread light and love and Joy into their hearts, and I believe God has done that. Most people that know me that I may not appear to be someone to take serious, or oh well Michael is just a push over and he's not gonna do, or what ever, listen even as I type these words onto this internet site. You can go ahead and put your money into the bank onto this statement. I AM NOT THE SAME. My fellow students that will see me this semester is going to see a totally different Michael, people who are going to see me are going to see a Michael that is compassionate, more loving, more caring, more serving, more mature, more serious about his faith, more serious about ministering to others around me. As I prepare for another year at NGU, I am totally and completely fired up because people are going to see me as one they can lean to for prayer, concern, people need Jesus now than they ever have. I have no idea what God is going to do with me after NGU, I have no clue what the future is going to hold, but rest assured that people will see a Rom. 12:2 Michael, people are going to see someone who is definitely more mission minded. I am so sick and tired of people not standing up for Jesus, taking that next step of faith, not being Rom 5. that talks about faith produces perserverence and other things that, that chapter talks about. God I don't care about my life anymore, for it is in your hands. Use me for the nations, so that people might come to know you. Help me to take that next step of faith.... I AM NOT THE SAME.

At the mid-point

2009-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow, freaking, wow. God has led me through an incredible journey so far. It is quite amazing to see God doing incredible things not only in my life, but also in the life at the church that I'm serving. I have plugged into the lives of these students for about a month and a half now, and I gotta tell ya. I have never seen so much passion and concern about seing my God being served and witnessing to their peers with a group of students as I have with this youth group. God has some wonderful things in store for these youth! We will be traveling to M-Fuge camp this Monday and I hope that God will just flat out crush their hearts and my heart and that he will shape our hearts into a redesigned, refined heart that will do nothing or won't shut up about Jesus. God is going to be glorified this week and I can not wait to see what happens.

I have been praying for alittle over a month about finding a car, IE honda, nissan, toyota. Something reliable. My parents are going to help me as well which is such a blessing! I do know though, that I need to put the Lord first and then He will take care of the rest. God is doing some great things in my life so far. I am souring downhill from where I am at and I can not wait to see what happens.

Do you need to be cleansed?

2009-06-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

Today I was mowing the yard and during the times that I'm out side being a good son that I am haha, I always try to help my dad out by grass cutting. He likes to deal with the bush trimming and other things pertaining to the yard, but anyway, The heat index today is about 103 when it feels like I don't know maybe about 100,000,000 degrees!!! During this time I was sweating like taking a shower and that is a lot of sweat. Now here comes the health lesson for today! When you sweat, your body is taking in nutrients that it gets from what you've eaten and gets rid of the waste that it doesn't want or need through sweat which cleanses your body. This is an example of how God deals with us in our lives. When we allow God to kind of beam down on us, he will take the sweat and the waste that we don't need, in order that our body might be cleansed? Do you need to be cleansed today?

Michael
Rom 12:2

Another stop in my journey completed

2009-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School was this week for the church that I am working at this summer and, these people are some of the most dedicated, loving, kind people you could ever know or hope to know. When you get to know your church congregation in a way that you normally don't get to, your whole outlook on certain people change. That's how I feel about these youth that I work along side with and along side with the youth pastor whom I work for. It just blows me away how God can just take something that you are not quite sure about or you don't know what's going to happen, and he just lifts that certain burden right off your shoulders. God definitely showed up at the church that I'm working at this week and it has been a wild ride, but a good one!! :)

Michael
Rom. 12:2

Christian Man Raped, Murdered for Refusing to Convert to Islam, Family Says - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

2009-06-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

Christian Man Raped, Murdered for Refusing to Convert to Islam, Family Says - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

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Why I Won't be on Facebook for awhile....

2009-06-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello to my wonderful blogspot followers and guests that read what goes on in my wonderful mind, JK JK. I believe that there is a Lord up above that cares more about each and every one of us that we ever know. This so called "3rd" generation of believers care more about going on facebook and chatting away about their social lives than reading the word of God and that REALLY bothers me. God cares way more about us than some stupid facebook message that we are just dying to get, or that photo of that girl or guy that we just have to look at fantasizing about "if only" they were mine. I am more frustrated with myself because I am putting myself in this category as well. *note to the people who read this: If you rarely get on facebook, this is not towards you* There is a wonderful person that used to be in my life that I wish was still in my life on a missions trip to another country where she is serving her Lord Jesus Christ. CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA NEED TO WAKE THE HECK UP. There are missionaries that are coming to America because we are not getting the Job done in American Churches and that's freakin sad!!!! We care more about our worship styles, we care more about following church doctrine than following the one and only true doctrine the word of God aka The Bible. We are so caught up in our ways of living.... at this point I could care less who is on Facebook as a matter of fact.... I am going to make it amount of prayer as to if I need to get rid of facebook or keep it but not be on it every day..... I will be Romans 12:1-2 I will strive for that perfection.

The Beginnings of the Summer Journey

2009-06-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so from the last blog I told everyone that the journey has been wonderful, fantastic, and exciting to see what the Lord has in store. Here's the deal now. I just finished my second week in the youth internship and it was a pretty good week but tonight really really hurt my feelings. I was ready to go for a wonderful youth worship service. These kids I mind you come on wed. nights about 20-25 strong. Our youth minister went away for a class and said that he was not going to be here. He said that I was going to lead the students in worship this evening. I had a grand total of 5 students........5 ........that's it. To the five that came and that can read this...thank you for caring enough to worship a risen savior. Thank you for being faithful. To the other youth, what that is basically telling me is that you only come because the youth minister is there. Jesus tells us to follow God and not other people. A lot of people in the church follow a pastor. A BIG no no in Christianity. We are called to follow Jesus Christ, not another follower of Christ. Some people need to understand that, and I am gettting to the point where I am starting to think that people don't care about Jesus or that maybe I am not that important..... that's ok I def. understand but I hope that I do become important to make you students understand that Jesus is way more important than a minister. I promise you that because I've been building my whole life around Jesus and he's far more important. That's how it's supposed to be. Ok, so I am done with venting for this evening, now I will talk about the beginning of the Journey, I believe the church that I am serving in is to the point where the church is going to start really taking off. The pastor has such a vision and great leadership and I truley believe he is going to take this church places that it has never been and I am very excited to see what takes place throughout this summer. I hope that vacation bible school not only for the childrens ministry, but for the youth that I am serving will be a success as well, and I believe it will. God is going to do big things and as I see the big things happen, I will be sure to keep everyone updated. God Bless,

Michael

What an incredible Journey so far!!!

2009-05-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Ok guys, so I know that I haven't posted anything in FOREVER but I'm excited to tell you some things that have been giving me so much encouragement since coming home last week. I just came home this past memorial day weekend from school and I was working what the school calls "May Cleanup" so I got the opportunity to make a little xtra money!!! I started my internship at FBCWC and I have been rocked by Jesus Christ in so many ways and I gotta tell ya, I came in thinking that there was going to be a lot of controversy with me coming back to this church, BUT OH WAS I WRONG. I love how God showed me a proved me wrong. I got the exact opposite of what I expected, the church just flat out surrounded me with love and support like no other!!! It's amazing how we sometimes never trust in God, but then when he shows us how we can trust him and we look so faithless when we can't trust him. But God is so good and so mercyful.... what a journey so far!!!

Where God has and is taking me.

2009-04-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is sort of the end of the semester kind of post, and so with everything that has been going on in my life, it has been amazing to see the Lord at work here at my university and as well as in the lives of whom I come in contact with. The cool thing is God created it all. He created everyone's minds, hearts, desires, life etc... that alone is so beautiful in the fact that everything he created is good and his plans, his desires are so much better than we can imagine. In Jeremiah Ch.10 Vs. 12 it says that God created and made everything by His power, he founded the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.... WOW just take a second to think about that every single thing that is living and non-living, who's living, and who has lived... He created..... That will never ever stop blowing my mind..... I can not even phathom or begin to understand that kind of power haha obviously because I'm human just like everyone else. But it has been truly amazing to see where God started me this semester and where I am now.... there has been some plans that I had that I thought would happen did NOT happen, and because of that... things seemed to work out for the better of my benefit which is pretty awesome. There has been some heartache, some sorrow, and some grieving, but one thing I do know within all of that terrible storm, that strengthened my faith in the Lord like you would never believe. Now I will say that my life hasn't always been bad, there has been some awesome times this semester when I have laughed so hard to the point where I thought I couldn't breathe, there has been times where I've felt like I was on top of the world. But heres what I would like to sort of end this post.... it says in 1st corinthians 10:31, Paul says that what ever we do whether it would be eating or drinking or what ever do it all for the Glory of God!! Even in the times where you are down and out. This is where the Lord has taken me, I am sort of winding down for the semester and heading into the summer working all the time pretty much and I will be doing a youth minister internship at a church in W. Cola. SC this summer. I am excited to see where the Lord is going to take me from there... well let's Hope the ride will be good haha. God Bless,

Michael <><

Friendships/Relationships

2009-04-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the people that read this, this is not towards anyone directly, rather something that people need to hear. Relationships destroy friendships....... there have been times in my life where I was in a relationship and after the relationship ended, the friendship was destroyed. I HATE THAT WITH A PASSION. I can not stand it when ever I see someone whom I was in a relationship with to see them avoid me. I want everyone to know that I love love love love people. I am a people person and I love to connect with other brothers and sisters in Christ. My advice to guys and girls who are in relationships, if by some chance you break up with someone, I understand it will take a good while to get over the relationship, but there should come a point in time, where you can put all of that behind you and become friends again. Life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow. Take every opportunity to love on people, even in past relationships.

In Christ,

Michael

Vision

2009-03-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

So I am on spring break currently, and I gotta tell ya, I LOVE IT. I have never been this pumped up about anything in a good while as I am bout being on spring break and working and just being away from college right now. I visited my former youth pastor to talk about this summer and how things were going to shape up. I can not tell you or begin to tell you how scared to death I am about this summer internship. This is the first internship ever that I've really had to be able to for the most part take charge of Wed. nights, youth events, VBS literature, and all of that. I am very glad on the other hand to be able to have this position. To be perfectly honest, I just didn't know if I could deal with being at school again this summer working Centrifuge this summer. I have been extremely just exhausted with school and everything else that goes with that to even be able to focus on this stuff. I am thankful though on the other hand to be able to have this opportunity because I will be able to make some money and I will also grow in my walk with the Lord that much more and to also see some lives in this youth group either change for the Lord, or youth's walks with the Lord strengthened. I do want God to be given all of the Glory because He does deserve it and not me. On the other hand I am called to serve Him, in which ever door he allows me to go through. God is Love,

Michael

BE STILL BE PATIENT BE LIKE GOD

2009-02-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend has been sort of a strange weekend with just a lot going on. I have a friend that just lost his father, I am no longer dating someone, I still have a lot of homework to do before spring break, I have a lot of tests to study before mid-terms.... Have you now noticed that I used the simple word I like 8 times now? we need to stop and think who are we really putting our time and effort to. The one who created us and willingly allowed us to have a relationship with Him OR ourselves? I think that there times where we need to look at life from the standpoint of Christ. Jesus Christ was so simple, humble, kind, fatherly, loving, caring, servant, judgmental and tempted without sinning. Jesus Christ was all of these things that I just mentioned. There are times in my own life where I have got to be still. God is a God of answers but we have to be still and let God reveal them to us. I am very confused about a lot of things. I have no clue where God is leading me to right now, but what I do know is God is on his thrown and that gives me all of the reasons in the world to Be still, to Be patient, and to be like God.

In Him,

Michael<><

A vision of Service......

2009-02-12T05:46:00.001-08:00

People who know me KNOW KNOW KNOW that I am always constantly wanting to help someone, whether it would be in Mass Comm running a video camera, helping set up and tear down for Joyful Sound, Sometimes chapel, hold the door for somebody or just letting someone know that I'm here if they need me. I think in this time and this age, my generation developed into the I generation, meaning ipod, iphone, ibible. It all starts out with a vision. People who had a vision made sure that they met that vision and then the people followed. Take for instanse, our new President. He started out with a vision to get the people to believe in him, he pursueded their hearts, values, and everything about them into their one vote for him to become Pres. He had a vision. Fellow facebookers and people who read this blog. If people were so concerned about helping someone who is in need, if people gave input into how to make communities a better place, if people served with out being served, wouldn't that make a difference in our world and our Nation? I think one of the most interesting stories is Jesus washing his disciples feet. Jesus had the most caring, compassionate, and loving attitude known to man. Jesus has set the example for all of us to learn. Whether you are a Christian or not. Take the time to tell someone that you care, take time out of your day to hold the door for someone, let's help make this world a better place!!!!

In Him,

Michael <><

Never too busy for God

2009-02-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

So the first half of this week was one of the most stressful times sense I have ever been at North Greenville University. With being an interdisc major, I have been involved a lot with the vision 48 news, and all that the mass comm. dept. has to offer. I was totally worped with just ideas and a vision that I would like to see for the Mass Commuications department that every thing else that was apart of my life... seemed to vanish. To whom this may concern, I want you to realize that if you are too busy for God.... He will turn away from you until you return to him. He will never leave you, but if you are too busy for God he is going to do things to try to get your attention as well so that you may keep him first in all things. Proverbs 13; people who despise advice advice will find themselves in trouble; but those who respect it will succeed. It is my encouragement that you will seek the advice of the Lord through reading scripture, praying without seising, and serving others with God by your side. Never get too busy for God

In Him,

Michael <><

random thought of the day

2009-01-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was working on my first ever news story package for the Vision 48 News, my schools news broadcast. I had never had any experience working with Adobe and Final Cut Pro or any editing software. The package for my first time without any experience looked good other than the video quality was very very poor because of some things that I did not know about. So the moral of this blog is just the simple fact that we as human beings will never stop learning new things and we will always learn something until we leave this earth. This for me was a humbling experience because people that truly know me, know that if I have a vision for something, I want that vision met and if the vision is not met, I feel like I have failed not only as a person, but as a servant of God. My encouragement for you is never ever be afraid to learn something new and always have a listening ear so that you might be able to become successful in what ever you do. Also for us as Christians, always have a listening ear to God so that he might be able to teach you through these times of editing and sorting out for your life so that you might have a smooth transition all through out your life. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. God is love,

Michael <><

Mourning/Praising God, for He is in Control.

2009-01-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

So a fellow student today up on campus passed away. She had ran into someone and wasn't looking and she was killed as the car had impacted her. Please be in prayer for the Faculty, Staff, and fellow students here at North Greenville University. Today for me it has been a shocking/mellow day for me as I have been reflecting on this young fellow student's life. I am telling ya, I take the littleist things for granted every day. God has been faithful and He's blessed my life in so many ways. One thing I do know for sure is that God is still on his Throne and he loves each and everyone of us no matter what circumstances we go through. He's always been there and I am so blessed to be at a University that truley loves the Lord Jesus Christ. I am still in shock about all of this so just keep me in your prayers as I try to analyze all of this stuff in my head and as I try to deal with these things. I know that God is in control and that he has a plan for each and everyone of us reguardless of what we go through. God is Love.

In Him,

Michael<><

Scheduling Time for God Should Never be a Priority.

2009-01-21T18:21:00.001-08:00

You know as I was at a bible study this evening, I began to realize something very important. I think that we pray to God for the things that we want and we cry out to Him when we need Him. As we focused on Luke 11, God says in verse 9, it says ask, and it will be given to you, knock and the door will open, keep looking and you will find. Verse 10 it says for who ever asks, and the door will be opened to everyone who knocks. Think about that passage for a moment. So Michael, you mean to tell me that if I ask, I will receive what I ask for? Not always, BUT you will get an answer for the Lord. I had mentioned in bible study when I was a little kid, that if I kept nagging my parents for something, then I would get it. Well, I did learn over time as I became a believer, life is not always about getting what you want, it is giving back that matters the most and something that God will reward you one day for. So where does the whole Scheduling a time for God come into play in this post? God wants just a little bit of our time each and every day. It maybe 5 mins. It may be 30 mins to an hour. He just wants just some time to spend with us so that our Faith may be strengthened, Our plans may be revealed to us, and Our relationship with God can still be number One.

In Him,

Michael <><

Barack Obama

2009-01-20T05:45:00.001-08:00

So heres the deal fellow americans and facebook friends. This is not going to be a bashing session rather a session to make people think.

1. Barack Obama is NOT fully black.
2. Barack Obama believes in Gay- Marriage.
3. He also believes it is a person's choice to have an abortion or not.
4. He does not stand on the principals of God who helped us build our Nation even though he "claims to be Christian"

It is 8:47 am right now and at 11:30, Barack Obama will be sworn in....... America did not suprise me when they voted for Obama. Listen to this statistic from Fox News. 90% of all african americans voted for Obama was because he was of the same color. You know, this is said that my generation helped be apart of this. The MTV crowd, the intellectual liberal society of proffesors, senators, congress, and Some of the American people. I gotta hand it to ya, you asked for "change".........YOU ARE GONNA GET IT!!!! My fellow Christians, we need to be praying for this man EVERY SINGLE DAY.

In Him,

Michael <><

Serving God = Joy

2009-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

So as I began my first week of school, I began to notice a sense of urgency about the campus. I began to notice people's hearts were either already beginning the process of stress, or for some a sense of Joy. For me it was a sense of great Joy. I can not begin to describe the sense of urgency that I have to get the school year off to a great start by studying 3 days before a class instead of 45 minutes before the class. I am really excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of the students that I come in contact with and those that I don't. I can assure you that this semester is going to be one that I will never forget. People know that I am apart of a singing group called Joyful Sound. I gotta tell ya there are just times where I want to seclude myself from the group, there are times where I feel defeated by people maybe saying some hurtful things and people that read this blog, please don't think or believe that I am venting from a horrible weekend or time in Joyful Sound, because I'm not. What I am saying though is that people need to learn to serve others, rather than themselves. I can not begin to describe the kind of Impact that you can make in someone's life by just saying I love you and I appreciate you for who you are and just serve, serve, serve. Jesus was a prime example by washing his disciple's feet. He loved his disciples, even though one of them betrayed Him. It gave Him Joy to know that He was taking care of his disciples. I do know one thing that I will be doing in this next school year is by simply serving other people rather than myself. Last semester I was very selfish, bitter, angry, sad, and depressed all in one. Because the Lord put a huge Impact on my life this past holiday season, it is my desire to serve other people. From this day forward, I am going to try my very best to serve other people regardless of anything in return. I am tired of my generation messing up and the self centeredness that they have brought upon themselves. I want to be different and I am and will be different. I will be striving to be more like Christ. Will you strive to be more like Christ? Because the rewards are eternal in the kingdom of God. Like the title of this blog. Serving God= Joy, and you can certainly serve God through serving people. God is love.

In Him,

Michael <><

What an Awesome Week!!!

2009-01-10T05:17:00.001-08:00

So I traveled to Atlanta "Hotlanta" with my team in Joyful Sound and I have got to tell you that it has been FOREVER since I genuinely have had an awesome time with awesome people and awesome believers. I wanna give kudos to Mayson who is Joyful Sounds' "manager" for buying us amazing food and just ministering to us through hanging out with us, SPOILING us like you would not believe and just loving on my team and including myself. Atlanta was just a really great experience for me. I got to do some things I have not done in awhile. I got to see some things I've never seen before and I just gotta tell ya, I have never been so blessed in all of my life. I went to the Georgia Aquarium with my team and WOW just the beauty of God shown through fish.... it just took your breath away, even from the tiniest fish to the BIGGEST fish you just would not believe!! If people believe that there is NOT a God.... I would definitely have to question them. Sometimes in life you just have to go and see something in order to always remember that God does exist and He is alive and well, and also that he has AMAZING plans for us, like for me going to the Georgia Aquarium... :) Jer. 29:11 states that God has plans for us that are for good and not harm, for Hope and a Future.... yeah that's pretty incredible. My hope and prayer is for people that read this blog will come to the understanding that God is always with us..... and He is always revealing plans for us one step at a time. We just have to be still and know that God is God..... Much love to all. God is Love,

Michael <><

Ringing in the New School Semester

2009-01-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

Ok fellow facebookers, this new blog that I have I will be writing daily just on my thoughts about God, about life at school and just about ministry in general. I will be heading back up to NGU today with my dad and so as i travel today, I will be reflecting on the good times I had during the Christmas season and how God finally revealed himself to me. Just to throw this in here too. God finally revealed himself to me during the Holidays. When i knew that I was called to go into a local church this summer, he knew that this was where I was supposed to be and he showed me. Now with that being said, I will also be while doing Joyful Sound, School, MAYBE some work and some volunteer stuff, I will also be preparing lessons and everything else involving this summer. I can not tell you how EXCITED I am to start this new school semester with new ideas, a sense of revival in my own personal life, and ready to serve the Lord at NGU. God is love..... wow

Michael <><

This Summer!!!

2009-01-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so a very very dear mentor, friend, and homie who also used to be my youth minister, asked me to come and help him at the church that he is working at and I am so pumped up about this opportunity. I told him that I would do it this summer and so I will be working for 10 weeks at his church and I can not even begin to describe how awesome God is for allowing me to have this opportunity to work with students who from I can tell that some are in desperate need to hear the gospel of Christ. These youth will continue to be on my heart until i come and be apart of their youth group this summer and I just hope and pray that everything that i am doing will be all about God and not about me. I have a lot of studying a preparation to do between now and May 24. I'M EXCITED!! :)