It's All About Jesus!

I borrowed this image and the series title from Mars Hill Church, but found it an appropriate truth to proclaim and prayer to renew my mind. In addition, I am preaching through the book of John on Sundays in our youth group. The truth is, in Orange County, we make it ALL ABOUT US! It is clearly NOT, for one day "Every knee will bow on heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tounge will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!" (Philippians 2:10-11).

Tomorrow, I will preach on John 1:6-9:

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

A couple of things stand out to me:

1. John the Baptist had a specific MISSION and MESSAGE: He was sent by God to testify concerning the light (Jesus) so that all men might be saved.
2. John understands that he was NOT the light...it was not about him!
3. He is pointing people to the light, because it's ALL ABOUT JESUS!

We should take a lesson from John and carry out the same MISSION and MESSAGE. It's clearly not about us, but ALL ABOUT JESUS! Pray that the true light that gives light to every man would shine brightly in Orange County so that God may receive all the glory!

For more on the Gospel and Orange County, visit The Gospel for OC and follow them on Twitter!

Thanks, God

So the other day, I was praying and focusing on a heart of thanksgiving (even though it's August... crazy, right!?). A thought came into my mind as I was offering my thanks to the Lord: God, thank you for making me who I am, not who I want to be!

I often find myself praying that I would not struggle with certain sins, that I would have been created another way, or that I could change my flaws. I did have an epiphany in my moment of prayer, though. I really am thankful that God created me just the way I am. If I were created just the way I want to be, I would never have the opportunities to trust God's sovereignty.

God cannot tempt anyone with evil, I know that. However, I believe that it may be a gracious act of God NOT to heal, NOT to restore, NOT to take away our sins, brokenness, and maladies. In our brokenness and weakness, I believe that God spiritually forms us. My inept causes me to trust God, not myself. My inability leads me to the cross. He may never fully restore this side of eternity, but my faith and perseverance may greatly increase because of his gracious no to our prayers.

National Day of Prayer

Join us at Pacific Church of Irvine for our experiential prayer room.  Each station acts as a catalyst to help you pray for the World, our country, our community, personal needs, and then take communion.  The prayer room is open today from 8am-8pm.  Join us for a prayer walk at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, or 6pm! 

What God Said

God said, "Listen."

Why?

1. To "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).
2. To avoid being "conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind" (Romans 12:2).
3. To discover "the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

My ears and heart are attentive...

Questions for Action

My old boss and mentor, Katie Powell, is famous for starting sentences with "What does it look like for/to..."  I used to think it was really funny, and it is kind of fun to impersonate her.  However, I find myself asking other people questions with her famous preface.  I have also been thinking of some of these questions for myself.  Here they are...

• What does it look like for me to begin preparing my heart and soul for marriage?
• What does it look like to be productive in all areas of my life (relationships, work, spiritual, school)?
• What does it look like to internalize disability in regards to spiritual formation?
• What does it look like to finish strong this last semester?
• What does it look like to be others focused?

Yeah... I need to ask myself these questions.  They are very abstract, but they force me to think practically.  I love seeing what things can become.  I think that's why my advisor, Lance, calls me a dynamic learner.  I just pray that I can start to use these questions as a springboard to action.  

My Prayer for Us All

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you man know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may come to know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  

Ephesians 1:17-19

Rob & Robin's Wedding

Yesterday (Sunday, June 1, 2008), Kaitlin and I were blessed to celebrate the marriage of Robin Lauterjung and Rob Schannep.  It was a beautiful wedding located at the Fullerton Arboretum.  Everything from and outdoor chandelier to a scrumptious candy table made the night perfect.  They are a beautiful couple who love the Lord Jesus in everyday life.  Together they run a ministry called Broken Hearts (see my link on my list of websites on the right) to hurting souls in Hollywood.  Their life and their love models the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Newlyweds!

Kaitlin and Me

Our Friend Whitney Gettin' Down!

Thank you, Lord, for the love that was shared by Robin and Rob at their wedding.  I pray that you bless them and guide them on their journey.  May they magnify you in all that they do!

"Alive in this Moment" by Starfield

It's been so long since I have met You here

Since I have said these words or cried these tears

And like a child would come I run into our secret place

And as the music fades, the tears

are rolling down my face

 

I am alive in this moment

In this moment I am found

I am alive in this moment

In this moment I belong

 

It's been so long since I have met You here

Since I have heard You speak or let You near

And like a wayward son I've come

with nothing left to hide

Here in this moment I have come to offer up my life

 

Here only one fire burns, it burns

Here only one melody is heard

Once again for the very first time

My eyes are opening

The Unexpected

Recently Kaitlin and I have been reflecting on the "unexpected" people in our life.  

There have been people who God has brought into our lives in very interesting ways.  

We wouldn't normally expect them, but they have turned out to be some of the greatest blessings in our life.  

My heart is filled with so much joy when I take time recognize the "unexpected" wonders!

Thank you, Lord for the beautifully enexpecteds in my life!

I pray that I can be an unexpected to others.

I hope that we all can reach each other in unexpected ways.

May our humanity unite us.  

Let us love each other.

Expect the unexpected!

Pray for Broken Hearts

Santa Monica/Highland, West Hollywood

I was involved in a ministry my freshmen year at Biola called Broken Hearts.   Their desire is for the broken hearted to see the love of Christ in us.  To impact those with broken hearts by building a relationship, showing them Jesus’ love, and giving them hope. Broken Hearts goes out to West Hollywood and East Los Angeles to witness to those with broken hearts: clubbers, drug addicts, drug dealers, homeless, prostitutes, homosexuals and many more. 

My prayers are with them this Thursday night.  I ask that yours are as well.  Pray for team unity, softened hearts, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would move powerfully through Los Angeles.  

Dear God,

I pray that you would help me love what you love and hate what you hate.