Rome

                                                                   Paris

                                                                  Frankfurt

                                                                 Jerusalem

                                                                   London

                                                             New York City

                                                               Shanghai

                                                                 Sydney

                                                                   Toronto

                                                              Tokyo

                                                                   Moscow

                                                                    Seoul

                                                                    Mumbai

What do we desire in life? What defines ultimate joy, happiness, contentment, peace, etc?  For me, I do find myself striving, pushing, pulling, and longing for true satisfaction through what this world has for me.

^“17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. ¹⁸ For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:17-21

I just want to encourage you not to be discouraged by what this world cannot offer.  Remember that when we find our identity through Christ is the moment that we find true joy and contentment.  Therefore, live in this world today, not trying to make it by earthly standards, rather,  trying to live as though your priorities and mindset lie with Christ in Heaven. Amen.

Be there January 2-5, 2012 in the Georgia Dome.. Atlanta, GA

Some of my favorite shows are Arrested Development, White Collar, and Burn Notice.

My question for you guys and for myself is this. Is it wrong to watch these shows and indulge in them? I believe that we are called to live in the image of the God that created us. We should long to mirror His nature and characteristics. Too often I say these shows do not affect my morality, etc, but do they really? And then I drift into classifying them as the secular things that I enjoy that do not necessarily interfere with my walk with the Lord. But to me, that is contextualizing the Lord to only certain areas of my life. Every area of my life should be chasing after Him. So, do shows with lying, pride, stealing, deception, violence, and sex have a place in my life or am I lying to myself in order to justify my watching them? Furthermore, if it is acceptable to enjoy our favorite shows on TV, in what ways can we use the experience to further the Kingdom of God? And I am not saying that we can’t, I believe there probably are wonderful ways to use TV to engage a generation and encourage/challenge them in a positive way. What are your thoughts? Why?

Finding a job with the ever-glowing Biblical Studies Bachelor’s Degree almost seems comical at times.  Being qualified for any career job outside of ministry comes across as asinine.  Yet, most ministry jobs require someone older with a Seminary or Masters’ Degree.  Oh, the life of the poor. With no money or desire for Graduate School right now, I find it easy to become discouraged and alone.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

²³Jesus said to him, `You say, “If you can.” Anything can be done for the person who believes.’  Mark 9:23

³ ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3

I see and know these promises and facts found in Scripture concerning the nature of God and the characteristics and definitions of my relationship and interaction with Him.  Yet, somewhere in the boorish thoughts and tendecies of my life, I long to fight this battle alone.  At what point is all of my Biblical studies and Scripture memory done in vain?  Do I truly believe what the living and breathing Word of God in the Bible proclaims?  I feel as if my faith is worn on the outside with all the glitter and pretty lights.  Yet, when tested is lacking a pulse at all.  Without a faith that is active, even my successes in life with bring no lasting satisfaction and joy will be the goal that ever eludes my longing grasp.

So my prayer for myself during this trial and for all of you (as I understand, even through the blinders of my pride, that I am not the only one with trials in life) is as follows:

Dear God, You are so good. You are the same from the beginning, today, and forever.  The same God who created man with your own breath and in your image.  Lord, may we not be a church that compulsively reads and proclaims your name out of obligation or some self-righteous necessity.  Lord, may we truly believe that you are Truth. And Love. And that we would find our rest and security in these things.  Lord that we would approach any progression we make in life through the filter of your Word and prayer.  Lord, during the famine and the harvest, may we cling to you, and you alone. Amen.