Start of a new semester

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!!! :)

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?

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!!!

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

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

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

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