what would it be like to be known as a man whom the world was not worthy of? that is what i desire. my life has been influenced by men who i feel are to good for this world to have. men who love jesus with everything that is within them. men who dont negotiate scripture. men who have done great things for christ. that is what i want. that is what i desire. to make an impact, and to not be credited with this impact until after God has called me home.

now pick me!
hehe

Do I focus too much on living comfotably and saving for the future? Should I be giving a greater percentage of my income to church and missionaries?
food for thought

As for the crap that you’re going thru… Well, I can only suggest this because it’s not me going through it. Do your best to dig down deep and try to find some compassion. Not because anyone has done anything to deserve it, but because it’s all that you can do. Don’t be in a position to let them drag you down with them, but position yourself to do all you can to be lifting them up from below. You’re the one with faith and I just read last Wednesday that “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” You can’t change who people are. All you can do is continue to give them opportunities to understand that what we covet here on earth is not what’s important. Keep that in mind when you’re dealing with the situation and it should help you as well.

Good luck my friend.

Thank you for the chance to share my story and to be inspired by the stories of others.

TR

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

It was the verse I chose when I was confirmed in 8th grade, then happened to be the scheduled reading when I was installed as the Youth Pastor at my first church, then again when I was installed at my 2nd. It’s a constant reminder that we’re effective in ministry only so long as we’re connected to Christ.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

I look at my life and I wonder, what am I holding back? What would I not willingly give up with joy to pursue God? It’s a really challenging verse for me, and when I heard it first at the Passion Conference in 2007 it changed my life. I’d only been a Christian for about a year and it really catalyzed me towards a fully devoted relationship with God.

“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - Jesus

Jesus didn’t come to give us a boring life, a sour life, a crappy life… He came to give us a full, incredible, awesome life experience.

If my Christianity is dull, boring, sour, bitter, shallow, selfish… than “I’m playing the game wrong”.

This verse has stuck with me for a very long time. It has always been an encouraging verse for me whenever things get hard or I just want to give up on something that is challenging. If i just keep this faith that I have grown to have in God, then you know what, things will be okay, He will give me the strength I need.
thanks.

Every time I read this verse my heart sinks deep in my chest. Not in a sad way but in a humbling way. Christ’s message is so simple: love God and love people. So often I let my “spiritual gifts” steal the spotlight and guide my path while the one thing that is paramount to my relationship with Christ is left in the dust. I may be strong, I may be trustworthy, I may be smart, I may be driven, but without love, I am nothing.