Building Leaders

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. Things have changed a little... as most of you know... and all the change is for the better. God is doing some pretty amazing stuff and I am super excited to be apart of it.

I'm trying to get to a place where I can build a solid youth ministry and an even more secure youth staff. I can see God putting people in my life everyday that have the ability to impact the lives of the young people in our church and our community, but how do I get those people in? How do I connect with them on a visionary level where they can help me advance the purpose that I feel God has given me for this ministry?

Psalm 101

A psalm of David.

1. I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.

       I will praise you with songs.

2. I will be careful to live a blameless life-

       when will you come to help me?

    I will lead a life of integrity

        in my own home.

3. I will refuse to look at

       anything vile and vulgar.

    I hate all who deal crookedly;

       I will have nothing to do with them.

4. I will reject perverse ideas

       and stay away from every evil.

5. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

       I will not endure conceit and pride.

6. I will search for faithful people

      to be my companions.

   Only those who are above reproach

      will be allowed to serve me.

7. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,

      and liars will not stay in my presence.

8. My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked

      and free the city of the Lord from their grip.

This Psalm seems pretty drastic, seems kind of extreme doesn't it? I mean, David says that he wont even let liars be in the same room as him. To be honest, I thought that, and when I read it I felt uncomfortable... I thought, that's not nice! That is going to offend someone and maybe push them away from Jesus... Since when did Jesus candy-coat anything? I don't want to live a life of compromise! I don't want to feel uncomfortable when I read scripture because I think what it might say may offend someone. Offense can only be taken, not given. Yes I believe in using tact but I don't want to compromise integrity just to try to not make someone upset.

I want to break down Psalm 101... 

In my opinion David is outlining requirements for leaders. He notes that it starts with him and that he can't do it on his own. He needs God to help him. Then he begins to set a standard for his life. I think that in vs. 3 - 5 there is an example of a life of integrity. It's a life of no compromise, we as Christians have to make some tough decisions sometimes that others will think are extreme or even "unnecessary". Then he gives an outline for the people serving with him, vs 6 - 7. People who live a life above reproach, or can't be accused of bad or wicked things. 

There is one more thing that I noticed in this text that really stood out... It is the fact that David understands and acknowledges the fact that all of this, having quality leaders and being able to live a life that is of "No Compromise" starts in the home. (Vs 2) He knows that his family and his personal life has to be in line with God in order for his public life to even work. 

You see, who you are when you are alone is who you really are! If you are not willing to put down the masks and be the same person in public that you are at home then you will Fail! 

I want to be a person that is a direct image of Christ and what he is about. I want to be an example of Christ so that my leadership teams are filled with people of Character and Integrity. People who live a life above reproach so that we can train up a generation of young people who will in turn Not Compromise their beliefs for their feelings. 

His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)... God please help me to be a man of your ways, and a man of your thoughts. Please help me to not compromise in any area of my life and to live a life of Integrity in my own home.

What I want to be when I grow up...

In life a lot of us, if not all of us, are faced with the question of "What do we want to do?" or better yet "What do we want to BE?"

Some people aspire to be a great Doctor or an Astronaut. Some peoples dreams are to be the best athlete the world has ever seen or even the next top politician that is going to bring change.

I dream about being a person of character, a man of conviction and a good listener! I want to be willing to make tough decisions that may contradict the flow of society. Not because I want to cause trouble, but because I am willing to stand for what I believe. I want to close my mouth long enough to give MY God an opportunity speak into my life and I want to be strong enough to put my selfishness aside to do HIS will. I know what I want to be when I grow up.....

I want to be a Role Model... A Mentor.... A Pastor.

This has been the second week for our Youth Ministry at Uniontown Free Methodist Church (www.ufmc4me.com) in Uniontown PA. I am excited to meet all the teens and young adults and to begin to let them into my life. I can't wait to see what God has in store for this awesome Church and great community.

Remember.... Never give up on your dreams! No matter what you are going through... where you have been or what you have done, God is God. Paul killed Christians and still became a mentor to millions!

Live Intentionally!

Now That's Crazy!... or is that "Faith"?

Over the past few days I have been looking into and trying to study the word "Faith" as it is in the Bible. Trying to understand its context and it's meaning. The difference between "Faith" and the "Gift of Faith". Looking at examples of men and women of faith in the bible (the Faith Chapter) Hebrews 11, I see one consistent fact.. (11:13) none of them were around to see the promise that God had for the come to pass.

Now that's crazy! or is that "Faith"?

I used to do concrete work and I think the most rewarding thing about HARD work is the fact that you get to see a finished product. That there is an end in sight and that you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

These men and women of "Faith" Had a vision and a plan. They knew that God had a plan for their life and that he was going to use them to do great things.

Is this "Faith" defined as... "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen." like in Hebrews 11:1? Is it an action word. A word that demands movement? or is it defined as a belief?

I think too many times we as people take words for granted... People sometimes ask me... "What Faith are you?" HUH? What kind of question is that!? What do you mean "what faith am I?" I'd like to say "I'm a non-fat, double espresso, extra whipped cream, java chip kinda faith". (I get the non-fat so I can have the extra whipped cream).

That question makes no sense! Faith is an active decision that is made in order to demonstrate and/or articulate a firm persuasion, or what you believe.

So if Faith isn't "what you believe" but instead a "living example" of what you believe, where does it come from or how do I get more?

Faith in the Greek is "Pistis"(pronounced "pisstiss") this means "firm persuasion" and "a conviction based upon hearing."

Romans 10:17
17. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.(NKJV)

17. So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). (Amplified)

and one more....

17. So faith comes from hearing the message. And the message that is heard is the word of Christ.(NIRV)

Ok... so let me collect my thoughts....

.....

...

So if Faith isn't a belief system, but an action that I do, then it has to be something that I can get or attain. Right? Something that anyone can have. Romans 10:17 didn't say ..."So Faith comes to some of us..." or "... Faith then comes to the Super Spiritual..."It said that It comes by hearing what is told and what is told is told during the preaching or talking about of what Christ has done and the message that he spoke about....which is God the Father.(John5:36)

still following me?

I am finding that I can get really deep into all of this so I will save you from getting board with my blog and try to wrap this up...

I LOVE GRACE and the idea of it. I love the fact that there is nothing that I did or that I can do to earn the Love of my Father or salvation. I believe that we are saved by grace and that you can't be good enough, right enough, skinny enough, funny enough, nice enough or righteous enough to get to heaven... you ONLY get to heaven through Jesus Christ which is our saving GRACE from sin.(John 14:6)

I will stand by the foundation of Grace for as long as I live because of how my daddy God has loved me and forgiven me because of grace, but I also know that I wouldn't have this grace unless I had learned the Faith that taught me Grace. Yes I think and believe that anyone and everyone can have the free gift of Grace but how can they know of said grace with out first learning the Faith that teaches Grace?

I guess what I am saying is that I don't believe in eternal security and that I believe that the ONLY way to God the father is through the message and life of Jesus Christ which is Grace...the Good News.(Acts 8:12, 10:36, 14:15, 15:7 NLT)

So..... Learning Faith through the teaching and preaching of the word, the Good News, which is the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, will show us Grace which is our Salvation. The more we read the Bible and surround ourselves with biblical teaching of an anointed man or women of God, the more Faith we will have.

Ephesians 2:7-9 (Amplified Bible)
7. He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
8. For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;
9. Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]

Galatians 3:26 (Amplified Bible)
26. For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.

How many times have you heard an encouraging word and gotten excited? How many time have you heard a powerful anointed sermon and wanted to change your world? And looking back, how many times have you not gone to church or read your bible and felt unmotivated or "blah" about your walk with God?

Faith is not a Belief System, it is an action! I walk by Faith, a conviction or firm persuasion, because of the things that I have been taught by the actions and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

TO BE CONTINUED......
(for the "Gift of Faith")

"Encouragement"

So I have been processing through a lot lately and God keeps reminding of one specific verse. He has reminded me through friends, through long driving talks with him and through talking with some people about different circumstances in their lives. I guess I would say that it is my summer theme verse. Every time I read it I get such a peace. It's so nice and comforting to be able to open God's word and find peace. Now don't get me wrong... it doesn't make everything go away, it just helps me to keep my focus aligned on God through whatever situation I am going through at that moment.

The verse is;
Philippians 4:6-7(NLT)
6. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Paul was writing to the church in Philipi and trying to encourage them to not get fixated on the situations in their lives. They were arguing about stuff and it was causing the early church to lose focus. The enemy was trying to get a foothold in and break up the church. Paul hears about this and doesn't write them to yell at them but instead he encourages them and helps them get there focus where it needs to go... off of their selves and back onto God.

It's so easy for us to "worry" about things in our life... but if we aren't worrying about it then God is taking care of it. Worry is a form of control and a feeling lack there of... How many times in my own life have I done or tried to do things on my own or tried to control it and fallen flat on my face? PLENTY! But when God controls it and we let him and his timing direct our steps we have no need for worry.

Following My Blog

Hey everyone make sure you check out my Blog Profile. It has my secondary Blog and I'm starting to link up with some GREAT and inspiring people of God. I hope that my blog along with some great words from some of my friends will encourage you and inspire your daily walk.


Thanks again for partnering up with me and supporting me in prayer, feedback and love. You are an awesome bunch of friends and family.

I Love You All!

Justin

...amazed at My creation

Looking over a couple different Blogs and staff bios today... i know.. call me a creeper, but I like to know how people think and what makes them tick.... I came across a very well put explanation of a collection of some of my favorite verses. I love this scripture in Psalms because it shows the intensity and the love that God has for each one of us... So much love that he would spend time with us before we could see, hear, smell or even breathe.

The passage is Psalms 139:13 (NLT)
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Its quite amazing to know that our Daddy God not only spent time with us in our mothers womb, but it says that he had written out our lives before we were born. He knew/knows the direction that our lives take. Its encouraging to know that God spent individual time with me and that he Loves me enough to be amazed at my creation.

Vs. 16 says that every moment of my life was laid out before one single day had passed. Pastor Jason Wade puts it very well in his take on the verse...

Jason Wade -What is your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 139:13-18 "God has created each of us with a purpose that He wants us to accomplish for Him, remembering that even when things may not seem to be going right around me, I can put my trust in Him and His plan and I will get through and accomplish what He has called me to accomplish."

We all have different things going on around us. We are discouraged and upset, we are disappointed and frustrated or we are straight up persecuted. BUT.... isn't the God who made you and wrote your life big enough to get you through your current situation?

FOR ME.... I think that my body being pieced together in my moms belly is WAY bigger than my next credit card payment or even my next meal...

I know, it's just as hard to say as it is to read/hear but the truth is that we as a stubborn people will exhaust all possible options and possibilities before we ask our daddy God for help. Shouldn't we be able to come to HIM first. Isn't someone who was at your very creation close enough to provide for your every need?

I have tried to do it on my own. It's not fun! I get exhausted, frustrated and depressed. We weren't made to do it alone, we were made to do it with God.

Thank you Daddy for not making me do it alone!

unnecessary roughness

have you ever been in a place or in a mind set that you KNOW what your doing is right. Your being a person of character and a person of values but all of-a-sudden out of no where you completely slip up? You look back at it and think... "What the Heck!, How did I.... I mean, I didn't even see it coming!"

John 10:10 - The Enemy comes ONLY to steal, Kill and destroy....

Ever wonder why "sin" is so hard to stay away from? It's because its enjoyable!... at least we perceive it to be. The sneaky little creep that the devil (deceiver) is, is going to try his best to make the things that are the most harmful for us seem like the BEST thing at the moment. There is no sense in making sin look unappealing, I mean, he wants to slip us up so he is going to make it look as attractive as possible.

The amazing thing about our Graceful God is that he gives us opportunity after opportunity to avoid the murky messes that the enemy tries to trap us in.

I Corinthians 10:12-13
12. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Matthew 18:7
7. “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.

James 1:13-15
13. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[a] and he never tempts anyone else. 14. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Judges 2:2-4
2. For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3. So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides,[a] and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”
4. When the angel of the Lord finished speaking to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly.

OKAY OKAY! We get it. We are going to face temptation, temptation that will be clear and evident (judges 2:3, Matt 18:7) and temptation that we want to claim to be a "surprise", but sitting here, I can't find a good enough excuse to give for being surprised by Temptation. If you have a relationship with Jesus, then you know right from wrong. Now I will say that we might not all know the In's and outs of what may be right or wrong, but we do know the "conviction" of the Holy spirit and that's what we need to be listening to... How many times have I ignored the Conviction, or the small voice, or my "conscience".... UGH! Looking back I can see time and time again where I know the Holy Spirit was trying to help me out of a poor decision or a bad situation but I just did my own thing.... That is where James 1:13-15 comes in.

Please hear me, Temptation is not BAD! Temptation is inevitable (Matt 18:7). We will all face temptation over and over and over again... a lot of times for the same desires but it is how we treat the temptation that matters. The fault comes in giving into the temptation, that leads to doing the sinful action which in turn binds us to guilt and condemnation from the enemy. That is when we begin to bury the sin, hide it and then falling into it again and again because now we feel too trapped to think that we can, or even have the "right" to get out... But wouldn't you know, Jesus is still right there. Right beside us the whole time just waiting to help us out. We just need to give up trying to do it on our own and ask for help.

Jesus told his disciples in Mark 14:38 to "keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” This scripture is taken from when Jesus and His disciples were praying in Gethsemane just before Jesus was betrayed and arrested.

Why do you think that Jesus wanted them to pray?

I think it was because the relationship that Jesus had with his disciples was so close that he knew that when the solders came to arrest him they would act out in anger and be tempted... which could result in sin....and he knew what they were going to go through in the coming days with all the persecution from everyone.

Our flesh is SO weak! It will take the path of least resistance and more often than not, that path is going to be against the desire of your spirit man/woman.

I implore you to take note of when you are tempted... with little things and big things, and you will see just how strong you really are. There is no sin greater than another. A "little white lie" is just as bad as a sexual sin. So don't let the enemy tear you down when you fall into various temptations. There is no need for you to put your self through "Unnecessary Roughness". Stand up in the authority given to you and the over-flowing grace and walk in the freedom given to you as a benefit of your relationship with Christ.


Update: related scripture
James 1:12-13
12. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[a] and he never tempts anyone else.