A Prayer for the Lonely

Recently, life has had its full share of ups and downs. Some very exciting developments for the future have come to fruition.  Yet, many frustrations with the job search and being alone most days while Laura is at work have weighed heavily on my heart.  Today, I was reading through Psalm 25 and found some verses that were both encouraging and convicting. I can only hope that these verses might inspire you as well. Amen.

 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
   for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
   free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
   and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
   and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
   let me not be put to shame,
   for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
   because my hope is in you.

Psalm 25:16-21

When I Stop Being God, and Let God Be God

The recent onslaught of irresolution in my life has ever increased and caused consternation in about every area of my daily existence on this earth.  It seems so petty, trivial, and mainstream sometimes when I consider the sources of my panic and uncertainty.  Currently, the life of being done with school has brought more stress than staying up all night writing papers on the different theologies of Scripture or the history of the Catholic Church. 

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.

The Darkness of the Sun, Seeking the North Star

Dallas Baptist University

has conferred upon

Graham Allen Helms

the degree of

Bachelor of Arts

and all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining.

In testimony thereof, the Board of Trustees, upon recommendation

of the Faculty, has granted this Diploma bearig the seal of the

University, dated at Dallas, Texas, on this thirteenth day of

May, A. D., two thousand and eleven.

Another milestone and another internal battle rages.  New challenges present themselves  with the same ferocity as the second and third waterfalls.  This after clinging to life from surviving the first watery plunge.  It sometimes seems as if the sun only teases with a glimpse of light and hope before being taken over by the darkness once again.  Yet, I do not intend on drowning in doubt or being overwhelmed by the moonless nights.  The ultimate source of hope not only shines through the flowery fields, but He also overwhelms the dark vapors of doubt and insecurities.

27“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.  28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30

Many contemplations concerning the complexities and challenges of life as well my faith and spiritual walk to come in the next days. God bless. -Graham

“Dear God, I was terribly lost,
When the galaxies crossed,
And the Sun went dark.
Dear God, You’re the only North Star,
I would follow this far.
Oh telescope, keep an eye on my only hope,
Lest I blink and be swept off the narrow road.
Hercules, you’ve got nothing to say to me,
‘Cause you’re not the blinding light that I need.
For He is the saving grace of the Galaxies!
He is the saving grace of the Galaxies.” -Adam Young

Penn State and Passion Update

   Continue to get excited about the upcoming Passion Conference 2011 in Fort Worth, TX! Find out more info and buy your tickets at http://268generation.com/passion2011/#/home! Can’t wait to see you guys there!

        If only finding a job at Penn State was as easy and fun as being a college football fan there, Laura and I would be set. Continue to pray for guidance and clarity concerning the upcoming move to Pennsylvania.

Update and Passion 2011!

Passion Conference 2011 is coming to Fort Worth! I really would love you guys to join me April 1st through April 3rd. That is a Friday through a Sunday. Registration begins at 2 PM on Friday at the Fort Worth Convention Center, but the actual first session does not start until 7 so you can figure out getting there and such with classes etc. Below, I will attach the about page. The cost  is about $159 per person.http://268generation.com/passion2011/#/ftworth/about …Also I could try to explain to you how awesome this thing is but I will let you see for yourselves. Check out this glimpse of Passion 2010 video. Let me know what you guys think and if you want to go. I will sign everyone up through my name so it will make signing in easier. I will shoot you guys more info soon.