Well, Christmas is right around the corner and it sure does not feel like it! Maybe it's because the weather is in the high 70's and low 80's during the day. Or perhaps it's because I haven't done a lot of Christmas shopping. Or maybe I have been too busy with school, work, and ministry to even notice. Whatever it is, the same result comes about. But I sure love the Christmas season and I try to enjoy it as much as I can!
I finally got my A.A. degree so now I'm officially done with SPC! It feels great, but it doesn't feel real. It took exactly 4 years to achieve and I got about that much left for my Bachelor's. This will test my patience :P All I know is that God is leading me and my life into full-time ministry. The question is: where? To be honest, I have been trying to figure this out lately. I know that God has given me the passion and burden for youth ministry (and that's what I'm studying right now), but my heart has redirected and I can't quite figure out if it's me or God. Along with youth ministry, I have always had the passion, desire, and burden for foreign missions. The only reason why I didn't pursue it is because God opened more doors to youth ministry than foreign missions. Perhaps that's because I never attempted pursuing foreign missions as well as youth ministry? I couldn't say. I have thought about going into foreign youth ministry, but my heart's desire (as it is tuning in to God's desire) is reaching the unreached and not youth in particular. There are over 3,500 people groups who have never heard the name Jesus Christ and that just kills me. I don't feel like hanging back here in America when many people all over the world are not hearing about Jesus and many Christians are not willing to go out there and share the Gospel. I don't know, maybe this is just a phase or maybe God is truly leading me and I'm actually listening. I just don't understand why I'm feeling this way! I am continuously praying for His guidance and leading and I ask you readers to please pray for me as well. I feel as if I have mistakenly chased my feelings and not God's leading into youth ministry. But as I look at the situation and how everything fell into place, it just seems all too clear that this is where I need to be. As I said, I'm really confused right now. Good thing that it's all in God's hands and not mine :)
I also have the opportunity to give the message to the youth group at Pathways! One thing I failed to do the last two times I did the sermons was to share the Gospel. I regret that. But now, I have the chance again and this time, the Gospel will be proclaimed! I pray that God will work through me and that He will be glorified! Please be praying for that too! It happens on December 28th!
As always, may God be glorified in all things! :)
December 21, 2011
December 01, 2011
It's That Time of Year Again
The Christmas season is now upon us. I tell you what, each year is going by faster and faster! Unfortunately, I don't think it matters how many clocks I break, it just won't change anything. Oh well, haha!
I really like the Christmas season. Even though I don't get snow, I still like the cooler weather, the smell of chimneys, and looking around at Christmas lights. The sad thing is, with all those things, we are missing it all. In today's world, Christmas is a time of family, gift-giving, baking, Christmas lights, and, in some places, snow. You might as well call it "Mas season" 'cause there sure isn't any mention of Jesus Christ. I used to not get saddened by this fact earlier on in life, but nowadays it seems to bother me a lot. I'm not saying that that's bad; only that, it seems, God is really changing my heart for sure! It's what Christians go through until the end of the age: sanctification. It's the process of God changing our hearts and our lives; making us become more like Him; preparing us for sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross! More and more, my mind is conforming to God's likeness and I start to have the same perspective that He has and the same goals that He has. Nothing satisfies me more than that!
I only have three assignments and one exam left of this semester and then I'll have my A.A. degree! God has faithfully pulled me through the amount of work I have gone through and I trust that He will do the same for the next part of His journey for me during Bible college! I have a lot of work ahead, but I'm remaining faithful to His will!
For those of you who are "waiting for God's will in your life", here's my advice: just move. By waiting, it gives you a reason to not do anything, thus resulting in you thinking that God is just going to, at some point, randomly reveal to you His whole plan for you. That's not how God seems to work (and this is according to His word). In actuality, Satan's using that to immobilize you, to prevent the Gospel from spreading. See what gifts God has given you and then just pray and move in a direction. If God doesn't want that for you, He'll close the door and you can get moving again. You repeat the process until you go through the right door and He'll lead you from there. Think of it like a scavenger hunt: each clue leads you to the next clue until you find the prize. Little by little, God will lead you to the next step until the end. Don't expect a revelation in one sitting; expect a lifelong revelation until the day you stand face-to-face with Him! "God cannot steer a parked car."
I really like the Christmas season. Even though I don't get snow, I still like the cooler weather, the smell of chimneys, and looking around at Christmas lights. The sad thing is, with all those things, we are missing it all. In today's world, Christmas is a time of family, gift-giving, baking, Christmas lights, and, in some places, snow. You might as well call it "Mas season" 'cause there sure isn't any mention of Jesus Christ. I used to not get saddened by this fact earlier on in life, but nowadays it seems to bother me a lot. I'm not saying that that's bad; only that, it seems, God is really changing my heart for sure! It's what Christians go through until the end of the age: sanctification. It's the process of God changing our hearts and our lives; making us become more like Him; preparing us for sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross! More and more, my mind is conforming to God's likeness and I start to have the same perspective that He has and the same goals that He has. Nothing satisfies me more than that!
I only have three assignments and one exam left of this semester and then I'll have my A.A. degree! God has faithfully pulled me through the amount of work I have gone through and I trust that He will do the same for the next part of His journey for me during Bible college! I have a lot of work ahead, but I'm remaining faithful to His will!
For those of you who are "waiting for God's will in your life", here's my advice: just move. By waiting, it gives you a reason to not do anything, thus resulting in you thinking that God is just going to, at some point, randomly reveal to you His whole plan for you. That's not how God seems to work (and this is according to His word). In actuality, Satan's using that to immobilize you, to prevent the Gospel from spreading. See what gifts God has given you and then just pray and move in a direction. If God doesn't want that for you, He'll close the door and you can get moving again. You repeat the process until you go through the right door and He'll lead you from there. Think of it like a scavenger hunt: each clue leads you to the next clue until you find the prize. Little by little, God will lead you to the next step until the end. Don't expect a revelation in one sitting; expect a lifelong revelation until the day you stand face-to-face with Him! "God cannot steer a parked car."
November 13, 2011
Ending One Chapter; Beginning Another
I can't wait for this semester to end! Only a month left and it feels like the speed got slower! It always seems to go that way of course. But either way, I got my big four-page paper for math class (yes, lame, I know) out of the way! That pretty much precedes the end of both my classes because it's not so bad from here on out.
Two weeks ago, I officially signed up and enrolled into my classes at Trinity! So far I got my books (all twelve of them!) coming in the mail and it just gets me more excited about starting! Granted, it is going to be a tough few years ahead of me, but I know that it is going to be so worth it in the end! It's not like I'm taking subjects that mean nothing to me (like algebra). I'll be taking classes that will truly prepare me for my career in youth ministry! I started going through some of my new books, at least the ones that came in the mail. It just made me realize how blessed I am to be going into this career path. God has amazingly provided a great college for me to get the necessary education and training! And it works perfectly for me! I get to keep my job and my car and I still can be involved in youth ministry at the same time! God is so good :)
Right now I'm trying to be a little more social. I'm not much of a social butterfly, but I realize that if I want to be a youth pastor, I really need to get out there and start talking to people. I gotta say, it hasn't been easy, but I think I'll get the hang of it in time. At least I had better!
For all of you reading this, I still desire your prayers for me. I wanna be sure that my heart, soul, strength, and mind is in love with our awesome God! And I wanna also be sure that I put that much effort in loving people as well! Even the people who are unlovable! It's super important. I also ask that you pray that I remain faithful to God's plan and will and that I faithfully step out as He guides and steers me. Pray also that I continue to get into the Word and not just read it, but also live it! I utter the same words as the apostle Paul, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."-Philippians 3:13-14
Two weeks ago, I officially signed up and enrolled into my classes at Trinity! So far I got my books (all twelve of them!) coming in the mail and it just gets me more excited about starting! Granted, it is going to be a tough few years ahead of me, but I know that it is going to be so worth it in the end! It's not like I'm taking subjects that mean nothing to me (like algebra). I'll be taking classes that will truly prepare me for my career in youth ministry! I started going through some of my new books, at least the ones that came in the mail. It just made me realize how blessed I am to be going into this career path. God has amazingly provided a great college for me to get the necessary education and training! And it works perfectly for me! I get to keep my job and my car and I still can be involved in youth ministry at the same time! God is so good :)
Right now I'm trying to be a little more social. I'm not much of a social butterfly, but I realize that if I want to be a youth pastor, I really need to get out there and start talking to people. I gotta say, it hasn't been easy, but I think I'll get the hang of it in time. At least I had better!
For all of you reading this, I still desire your prayers for me. I wanna be sure that my heart, soul, strength, and mind is in love with our awesome God! And I wanna also be sure that I put that much effort in loving people as well! Even the people who are unlovable! It's super important. I also ask that you pray that I remain faithful to God's plan and will and that I faithfully step out as He guides and steers me. Pray also that I continue to get into the Word and not just read it, but also live it! I utter the same words as the apostle Paul, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."-Philippians 3:13-14
October 22, 2011
My Passion, My Life
Sometimes, I am amazed at how life has its "ups" and "downs", but through it all, God never changes. To be honest, I could choose to mope around and be depressed about the negative events that happen in my life, but I find that's not even worth my time and energy (especially compared to the many people in this world who are experiencing worse by far!). All to often, Christians focus on getting their life right and comfortable and rarely spend time thinking about the Great Commission. The Great Commission to them is tithing, praying, going to church, listening to Joy FM, changing their "religious views" to "Christian" on Facebook, and praying before eating (in no particular order). Now I know that this descriptive list kind of seems comical (which it sort of is), but it is also serious because I see many Christians who, sadly, fit this description. I'm not saying that doing all these things are bad (because they sure aren't), but if that is how our lives are determined as Christians, then there is a problem. I, for one, do not want my life to be based on how comfortable it is, but mostly by what I am doing for the Gospel. My main concern is, "how can I spread and/or aid the spread of the Gospel?" I find no other reason for my life than that.
Last week, my dad and I (after looking over my finances) discovered that I won't be needing a second job in order to afford Bible college for the next 5 years! God is good! He not only provides my needs in general, but most importantly, He provides my needs in order to share the Gospel with the world! These aren't provisions to make my life more comfortable, but to make my life uncomfortable with a much greater vision than the American Dream. I'm looking forward to see where God takes me from here!
Two days ago, I had the awesome opportunity to go to a homeless-shelter-kind-of-thing, called Pinellas Hope. The homeless people there live in a community of tents, shacks, and (for some) in apartments. It is a pretty sweet ministry and I was blessed to be a part of it! But I have a confession to make: I never wanted to go. That's right, I was selfish and I never went because I didn't want to. I never really knew what to expect, but I thought I wasn't gonna like it. The thing is, even if I didn't like it, does that define whether I should go again or not? No! When being a follower of Jesus, that means you are going to have to do things that you don't necessarily want to do. And you know? I loved it there! All we did is play Bingo and just hang out with the people (and of course we gave them provisions that they needed). Even though that's "all we did", that was huge for the people there! It was such a blessing and I can't wait until next month's trip!
Recently, I've been learning how to evangelize (effectively share the Gospel and doing it in love). Part of me still has fear and another part of me doesn't quite feel ready, but everyday I pray for an opportunity. Co-workers of mine know of my relationship with Christ and my pursuit of being a youth pastor and many of them have a Christian background of some sort, so there is definitely a "breeding ground" for the Gospel to be shared in my own work place! I just don't want to be afraid of sharing.
In light of the above paragraph, I do have one more awesome story to share! On Facebook, there is a Christian page I'm a fan of on their called "Teen Jesus Freaks". There's a guy on there that joined only to bash and challenge Christianity. He's an atheist and he demands for the Christians on the page to "prove" the validity of the Bible and the words of Jesus. He is definitely hard-hearted and at enmity with God. I started talking to him on there and gave him some cool facts (scientifically and historically supported) that support the validity of the Bible. The thing is, no matter how many or how good the facts were, this guy tried wiggling around them and finding articles online that "refute" these claims I was making. Long story short, I ended up telling him that no matter what I tell him, he won't believe because his heart is hard and at enmity towards the things of God; that it (Christianity) requires faith, just like atheism does; and I proceeded to present the Gospel to him. I challenged him to read the Gospel of John and read it for himself and left it at that. It was a super long post, so I hope the words penetrated him and I still pray for him today. Oh, and he lives in Germany, which is pretty awesome! People might criticize me for what I did. But you know what? He's a real person just like you and me and is in need of God's saving grace just like anyone else! And I feel I did my part and now it's up to God to go from there :)
This post doesn't even begin cover everything that has happened between the last post 'til now, but I sure hope this gives you all an idea of what is happening in my life. :)
Last week, my dad and I (after looking over my finances) discovered that I won't be needing a second job in order to afford Bible college for the next 5 years! God is good! He not only provides my needs in general, but most importantly, He provides my needs in order to share the Gospel with the world! These aren't provisions to make my life more comfortable, but to make my life uncomfortable with a much greater vision than the American Dream. I'm looking forward to see where God takes me from here!
Two days ago, I had the awesome opportunity to go to a homeless-shelter-kind-of-thing, called Pinellas Hope. The homeless people there live in a community of tents, shacks, and (for some) in apartments. It is a pretty sweet ministry and I was blessed to be a part of it! But I have a confession to make: I never wanted to go. That's right, I was selfish and I never went because I didn't want to. I never really knew what to expect, but I thought I wasn't gonna like it. The thing is, even if I didn't like it, does that define whether I should go again or not? No! When being a follower of Jesus, that means you are going to have to do things that you don't necessarily want to do. And you know? I loved it there! All we did is play Bingo and just hang out with the people (and of course we gave them provisions that they needed). Even though that's "all we did", that was huge for the people there! It was such a blessing and I can't wait until next month's trip!
Recently, I've been learning how to evangelize (effectively share the Gospel and doing it in love). Part of me still has fear and another part of me doesn't quite feel ready, but everyday I pray for an opportunity. Co-workers of mine know of my relationship with Christ and my pursuit of being a youth pastor and many of them have a Christian background of some sort, so there is definitely a "breeding ground" for the Gospel to be shared in my own work place! I just don't want to be afraid of sharing.
In light of the above paragraph, I do have one more awesome story to share! On Facebook, there is a Christian page I'm a fan of on their called "Teen Jesus Freaks". There's a guy on there that joined only to bash and challenge Christianity. He's an atheist and he demands for the Christians on the page to "prove" the validity of the Bible and the words of Jesus. He is definitely hard-hearted and at enmity with God. I started talking to him on there and gave him some cool facts (scientifically and historically supported) that support the validity of the Bible. The thing is, no matter how many or how good the facts were, this guy tried wiggling around them and finding articles online that "refute" these claims I was making. Long story short, I ended up telling him that no matter what I tell him, he won't believe because his heart is hard and at enmity towards the things of God; that it (Christianity) requires faith, just like atheism does; and I proceeded to present the Gospel to him. I challenged him to read the Gospel of John and read it for himself and left it at that. It was a super long post, so I hope the words penetrated him and I still pray for him today. Oh, and he lives in Germany, which is pretty awesome! People might criticize me for what I did. But you know what? He's a real person just like you and me and is in need of God's saving grace just like anyone else! And I feel I did my part and now it's up to God to go from there :)
This post doesn't even begin cover everything that has happened between the last post 'til now, but I sure hope this gives you all an idea of what is happening in my life. :)
September 13, 2011
Where Will I Go From Here?
I think it's amazing how God not only works everything out for our good and His glory, but also how He reassures us when we're on the right track! Today the youth ministry at my church started an awesome Bible study/outreach ministry program called the Beautiful Feet Initiative. It's for middle-schoolers and high-schoolers that are interested in studying the Word of God and also getting a chance to share the Gospel with those who don't know Jesus. Not only that, but it also invites anyone who doesn't know Jesus to join and they can hear the Gospel as well! You see, when I started volunteering at church, I had no idea that I would get a chance to really work with teens and pre-teens already! I'm gonna be starting my Biblical education in a few months and I'm already getting hands-on experience in youth ministry! I think to myself, "if it really wasn't in God's plan to have me go into youth ministry, then why open all of these doors and opportunities?" It's almost like He's walking ahead of me and saying, "Here, Zeth! I opened another door for you!" I'm pretty sure that's how it's going too!
So, being that tonight was the first night of B.F.I., it seemed, to me anyway, that it was kind of a little out of control, but it was fun all the same! Middle-schoolers can be a challenge for sure, but I really enjoy working with them! I can't wait to see what God does with this ministry and where He will lead me from here! I'm amazed at how everything is unfolding one by one!
Earlier today I was thinking about my career path and what I would be doing as a youth pastor and man let me tell you, it's gonna be tough, but so worth it in the end! I honestly can't see myself doing anything else that is not directly ministry-related! It's cool that I'm already putting my foot through that door and even cooler that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus everywhere else as well! And the more I think of it, the more I realize that this life is about nobody else but Jesus and the Gospel! That's all. Why focus on anything else when I already have everything?
Daily I make the effort to constantly make Jesus everything in my life, not just an aspect or part of my life. Jesus is my life! I still fail at times and I might miss opportunities to show His love instead of just proclaiming it, but I ask for forgiveness when I fail and for strength to do it next time! Like the apostle Paul says in Philippians 3, I say "Brothers (and sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
So, being that tonight was the first night of B.F.I., it seemed, to me anyway, that it was kind of a little out of control, but it was fun all the same! Middle-schoolers can be a challenge for sure, but I really enjoy working with them! I can't wait to see what God does with this ministry and where He will lead me from here! I'm amazed at how everything is unfolding one by one!
Earlier today I was thinking about my career path and what I would be doing as a youth pastor and man let me tell you, it's gonna be tough, but so worth it in the end! I honestly can't see myself doing anything else that is not directly ministry-related! It's cool that I'm already putting my foot through that door and even cooler that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus everywhere else as well! And the more I think of it, the more I realize that this life is about nobody else but Jesus and the Gospel! That's all. Why focus on anything else when I already have everything?
Daily I make the effort to constantly make Jesus everything in my life, not just an aspect or part of my life. Jesus is my life! I still fail at times and I might miss opportunities to show His love instead of just proclaiming it, but I ask for forgiveness when I fail and for strength to do it next time! Like the apostle Paul says in Philippians 3, I say "Brothers (and sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
September 10, 2011
So Much Time, So Many Problems, So Much God!
Wow, lately I've just been feeling so drained. Although, I can't really understand why because I've been getting to bed at the normal time, but I still wake up tired. In turn, it makes me feel unmotivated during the day, which is a feeling I hate :P
But among my "issues", I still live life. School is going by and it's not such a bad semester. Considering I was taking 5 classes and working 20 hours a week last semester, it's nice to have to only take 2 classes this semester! Granted, it's still tiring at times. Knowing that this is my final semester for my A.A. is a very encouraging and sobering thought! The only problem is that it gives me the mentality that "it's almost done" and I begin to slack a bit, which doesn't benefit me. Even though it feels like a big "problem" for me, I know that this semester is small compared to what God has in store for me!
Time flies. My goodness, does it! I was just discussing with a friend this week that 2 years has brought on a lot of changes. I'm blown away by all the marriages that have happened right before my eyes, especially seeing friends that I have known for many years get married. It's a weird thought, but man, it makes me really think about growing up. No matter how much we may not want to get old, it is inevitable and we have to conform to it eventually. I'm conforming more and more when life unfolds. Partly because I'm excited and partly because I give in to the inevitable. But truly, I can't wait to see what God has in store! He has blown me away in just the past two years, imagine what He will do in the next 10 years!
With every good thing that comes our way, there is always some bad things to accompany it; it's just up to us on how we take it. I, for one, do not want to sulk in my sorrows. The apostle Paul never did. In fact, God said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul's response to that wasn't, "Crap! Come on, God! Seriously? Why can't Your power be made perfect in my strength and good times?" Paul's response was, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions. For when I am weak, then I am strong." That is totally not my initial response! But I sure would love for it to be! I mean to think, God uses the weak times in our life over our best and strong times! And why is that? Because He is glorified when people see that we are not working on our own strength! And I want God to be glorified!
On the outside, I may look like I have it all together, but let me assure you, I don't. I am imperfect just like everyone else; I sin just like everyone else; I go through difficulties just everyone else; I am in need of Jesus just like everyone else. Right now I'm going through some difficulties that I sure hope glorifies God! I never did and still don't have an easy life, but I'd rather have difficulties and have Jesus by my side than have an easy life without Jesus! For those of you who read this, pray for me. I need a lot of strength to overcome a lot and I can only do that with Jesus and your prayers! And through all of this, I still say: God is good, all the time!
But among my "issues", I still live life. School is going by and it's not such a bad semester. Considering I was taking 5 classes and working 20 hours a week last semester, it's nice to have to only take 2 classes this semester! Granted, it's still tiring at times. Knowing that this is my final semester for my A.A. is a very encouraging and sobering thought! The only problem is that it gives me the mentality that "it's almost done" and I begin to slack a bit, which doesn't benefit me. Even though it feels like a big "problem" for me, I know that this semester is small compared to what God has in store for me!
Time flies. My goodness, does it! I was just discussing with a friend this week that 2 years has brought on a lot of changes. I'm blown away by all the marriages that have happened right before my eyes, especially seeing friends that I have known for many years get married. It's a weird thought, but man, it makes me really think about growing up. No matter how much we may not want to get old, it is inevitable and we have to conform to it eventually. I'm conforming more and more when life unfolds. Partly because I'm excited and partly because I give in to the inevitable. But truly, I can't wait to see what God has in store! He has blown me away in just the past two years, imagine what He will do in the next 10 years!
With every good thing that comes our way, there is always some bad things to accompany it; it's just up to us on how we take it. I, for one, do not want to sulk in my sorrows. The apostle Paul never did. In fact, God said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul's response to that wasn't, "Crap! Come on, God! Seriously? Why can't Your power be made perfect in my strength and good times?" Paul's response was, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions. For when I am weak, then I am strong." That is totally not my initial response! But I sure would love for it to be! I mean to think, God uses the weak times in our life over our best and strong times! And why is that? Because He is glorified when people see that we are not working on our own strength! And I want God to be glorified!
On the outside, I may look like I have it all together, but let me assure you, I don't. I am imperfect just like everyone else; I sin just like everyone else; I go through difficulties just everyone else; I am in need of Jesus just like everyone else. Right now I'm going through some difficulties that I sure hope glorifies God! I never did and still don't have an easy life, but I'd rather have difficulties and have Jesus by my side than have an easy life without Jesus! For those of you who read this, pray for me. I need a lot of strength to overcome a lot and I can only do that with Jesus and your prayers! And through all of this, I still say: God is good, all the time!
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