Day 14

Read Jeremiah 15:16

When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.


1. How do we "eat" God's word?

2. Do you bear God's name? If so, what do people think about God by looking at you?

3. Describe a time when God's truth and grace was a "joy and a delight to your heart?"

4. Where, when, and how can you make better selections about what you feast on?

5. Journal any thoughts you may have.

Follow You

So I do realize that I will have posted three times when I add the devotion later. But the song I mentioned kept coming to me!


There's a passion in my soul that knows no bounds
Like a wild stallion racing across distant grounds
There's a laughter in my heart that cannot be contained
Like the rolling thunder clouds that come with the rain

There's a voice that's speaking when I don't know what to say
Like the voice that whispers "I'll love you now and always"
There's a calm that covers every inch of this man
Like knowing the ending of the battle at hand

I will follow you. 'Cause there's nothing else to say.
I will follow you. Though sometimes I don't know the way.
I will follow you. Simply follow you....

There's a strength that defies all that we can be
Like the anchor of a ship keeping everything at sea
There's a faith that can't be touched or shaken
Like a promise that can never be forsaken

There's a honor that few heroes believe in
Like a dream that few seldom live again
There's a beauty that radiates in all that it touches
Like a gentle breeze in the morning caressing all it brushes

I will follow you. 'Cause there's nothing else to say.
I will follow you. Though sometimes I don't know the way.
I will follow you. Simply follow you....

There's a God who died for the lost world
Like a lamb slaughtered by the sharp sword
There's a Savior who rose from the dead
Like a victor he conquered death instead

There's a reason that I write this song
Like a burning my heart and soul do long
There's a purpose in the soul of all who live
Like a prisoner who's been freed it's time to give

So we follow you. 'Cause there's nothing else to say.
So we follow you. Though sometimes we may not know the way.
So we follow you. We simply follow you...we'll follow you today.

Umm

There's a passion in my soul that knows no bounds
Like a wild stallion racing across distant grounds
There's a laughter in my heart that cannot be contained
Like the rolling thunder clouds that come with the rain

There's a voice that's speaking when I don't know what to say
Like the voice that whispers "I'll love you now and always"
There's a calm that covers every inch of this man
Like knowing the ending of the battle at hand

I will follow you. 'Cause there's nothing else to say.
I will follow you. Though sometimes I don't know the way.
I will follow you. Simply follow you....

I've had this tune in my head all morning...and I got as far as that...I'm hoping the rest comes to me soon.

So I decided today that I wanted to find out what Disney prince I was, and what Disney princess my personality liked. The princess made sense...the prince wasn't exactly what I expected though. Curious people? Good. It's going to stay that way :)

I also got beat by Anna in a game of Super Smash Bros on the Nintendo. Now that is depressing, sigh. Not only have I gotten worse as I age...but I can't even beat a 6 year old in one of the games I used to be best at. *laughs*.

I enjoyed the service today, we had a guest speaker who knew exactly what God wanted me to hear. Let me rephrase that, God knew exactly what I needed to hear...as always. I do believe that "God's not finished with me yet....*keeps singing*".

OH! I sparred a friend this afternoon with wooden swords, I won! Though I did take a wack on my baby finger. She's still crying but the other 4 are still comforting her...she'll be ok.

Time to do something! Bye!!!

Day 13

Read 2 Corinthians 5:13-21

If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.


1. Describe the difference between cheap grace and costly grace

2. How does Christ's love compel you?

3. What does it mean that we shouldn't live for ourselves?

4. How are we Christ's ambassadors?

5. Have you been living in your role as an ambassador?

6. What does it mean to become the righteousness of God?

7. Journal any thoughts you may have.

5 plus 10 = ?

What do you get when you mix a good friend with chocolate cake, music, Disney, and a light drizzle?

Correct Answer: A smile :)

Day 12

Read Colossians 3:5-10

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

1. Describe what it means to put a sin "to death".

2. What are some of your sins you need to spiritually kill?

3. Are these hidden from others? Does that make a difference in your commitment to put them to death?

4. What might happen to someone who focuses only on getting rid of their sin without shifting their attention to the love and strength of God?

5. How can you seek greater knowledge of God?

6. Do you long for that depth in your relationship with Him?

7. Journal any thoughts you may have.




Wow. Talk about an amazing and convicting piece of God's word....

Day 11

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1. How does realizing you have been bought change your perspective on God, on yourself, on your activities, and your desires?

2. How does it affect you to realize that all you have is a gift from God?

3. Look at your schedule, goals, and secrets for the next 24 hours. How do they reflect you being a bondservant of Jesus Christ? How do they reflect you being a slave of sin?

4. What are you going to change?

5. Journal any thoughts you may have.

Stargazing and Soul Searching

Cooper liked gazing at the stars that shined brightly tonight. He shivered slightly, "Good, it's not another dream". And then he saw it, a shooting star falling from the heavens. He laughed at himself as he made his wish. "Why had he said everything that he had to Jason the way that he did?" He often wondered on choices after the fact. At least it felt like he did. As sometimes happened, it had felt like the right thing to do, but now he wasn't even sure why he'd done it. "I can't do this anymore, I did it because I thought You wanted me to!", Cooper yelled. He was answered by the sound of silence, yet underlying the silence was the sound of life itself. "I know that you can hear me God. Please Father, will you help me?"


He thought about calling...he wanted so badly to try to explain everything. And yet, deep down, he knew that Jason would just read into everything he said. Worse yet, he might refuse to listen to any attempt to share the truth again. "He'd fake it really well though" he said to himself. He'd also upset Sarah, but Jason was the one truly overreacting. Cooper just didn't know how to handle himself these days. "Maybe I should go bother a shark or snake this time..." Cooper smiled to himself, "There's got to be a verse that would condone doing something like that at some point...." He looked around him, nothing, nothing at all. Nothing but the night sky.


But he couldn't shake the feeling that God was here. "Look, unless you're intending on helping me, why stick around?". He instantly regretted those words. "Wait! I didn't mean it, I'm just tired. I feel like my whole life is about making mistakes to learn from. And as much as it's great to learn...I'm tired, I'm hurting, I'm ready for life to make sense. You're the love of my life, and those words I spoke a moment ago are as far from the truth as it gets." He looked up through the canopy, "Am I making any sense at all?". He started smiling, that sounded like the lyrics by Mark Schultz..."Am I getting through tonight?"


Then it happened. She was there. "But who on earth is she?!?!?" His jaw dropped in astonishment. An old lady, dressed like an eccentric tramp, completely bundled up in wet clothes. "Hello Dearie", she said. "It can be hard to speak to strangers sometimes anyway...but witches that apparate? He thought." She laughed with a voice that brought a quiet peace with it. "I'm definitely not a witch, Cooper. I'm a star. That's what you wished for right?" She asked.

Cooper just shook his head, he was still trying to make this make sense. "No, I wished for God to direct my path. I'm tired of my head, heart, and soul all voting on separate paths for my life." The woman laughed quietly again. "Oh Cooper, most people would take a talking star as very direct response from their Lord. Why can't you?" He just shook his head at her, "Who are you really?"

The light in her eyes started to dance, as if she was thoroughly enjoying herself. "Remember reading the book A Wrinkle in Time?" Cooper nodded. "I'm Mrs. Whatsit, or close enough anyway!" She started to radiate a brilliant and dazzling light. That's when he believed. And then it stopped as quickly as it had begun. "I'm glad you've come to see the light Cooper", she beamed with her pun.

"Go ahead Cooper, I know you have a lot on your mind." He gazed back up at the night sky. "So the movies like Stardust...", but before he could finish she shook her head. "Not quite, just remember that with God all things are possible...including things that aren't of this world." He nodded, "I wasn't trying to question anything, so much as I wanted to know what direction I'm to take in my life."

Mrs. Whatsit just laid her hand on his shoulder understandingly. Suddenly there was a great burst of light through the Darkness. The light spread out and where it touched the Darkness the Darkness disappeared. The light spread until the darkness had vanished, and there was only a gentle shining, and through the shining came the stars, clear and pure. "You want to know who you are. But already do. You seek to know what the right choice is, but both heart and head can lie. Jesus gave a wonderful promise to His disciples. He said, 'But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.'

Cooper, we've battled darkness since before man existed, and will continue to. You know that's your fascination with the "heavens" don't you. Deep down you desire to fight the darkness as persistently as the stars themselves. But don't forget to do so with God's strength and grace. For when you grow bitter, or let hurt prevent you from doing the right thing...the darkness is in control. When God has you where He wants in you life, you'll be at peace. So the question that this old star has for you my son is...are you at peace with everything in life that God has thrown your way?"

He sat with eyes closed taking in what she had said. Then with a grin flashing across his face, he nodded. "Even the things that you were letting weigh on you when you wished for His counsel?" asked Mrs. Whatsit. Cooper responded with the conviction that he'd been searching for, "Even should everything that doesn't make sense never be resolved, even if all the good in my life becomes bad, even if I never talk to a star again, I am content with my lot. I will fight the good fight. I will light up the darkness."

As he finished speaking, he realized that he was alone again. He was once again gazing up at the stars in the night sky. However, this time he understood what he was truly gazing upon.

Day 10

"Read Philippians 3:7-11

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.


1. What are your "credentials" of power, prestige, and popularity?

2. What are some ways most people use these to get where they want to go?

3. In what ways can they be hindrances to a committed Christian?

4. How would your life be different if you genuinely believed the things the world values are rubbish and knowing Christ is the most valuable thing in the world?

5. Journal any thoughts you may have."

Choosing to Die

I was reading in 1 Corinthians a few minutes ago, and I started trying to imagine what it must have been like to be Paul. As far as the writers in the Bible go, there are few I identify with more than Paul. Paul is one of my favorites because he says all the hard stuff and I start to think he was pretty harsh, and then all of a sudden he starts getting vulnerable as though he is feeling lonely, needing to share personal stuff with somebody, anybody.

When I came across certain parts of his letter I felt like he was writing late at night and was probably very tired, struggling with stuff that puts anything that burdens my heart to shame. I wonder how often he begged to understand, how often he hurt, how often he cried. It seems like I could never seek out a life like his on purpose. After all, he woke up every morning choosing to die. I'm trying, but it still hurts sometimes.

And I don't know that I'd want to be the guy harboring Paul either. If I had a guy in my home who was always getting beat up for the faith, thrown in prison and that sort of thing, it would make me feel intimidated and nervous about having him in my home; it would make me wonder exactly how committed I actually was. I'll bet Paul didn't care, though; he doesn't seem like the type to judge people, but you know people had to have been intimidated by him anyway. I find him intimidating just reading about him.


I believe I've said this before, but he was terribly intelligent. Honestly, I feel overwhelmed and out of my league when I try to speak from his writings. For the first couple of days in a new town, Paul probably felt completely alone. I picture him like this when he talks about how he wants to go home and be in heaven, but stays on earth so he can write letters and preach. I imagine him writing by candlelight at a table when he talks about how he has this thorn in his flesh and can't get over it and has prayed about it three times, but God said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you." It's writing like this that I like in any book. If a writer is going to try to get me motivated about something, I start to get to the point where I don't want to read anymore because it makes me feel tired, as though my life were just about getting a lot of things done. That is why I generally avoid self-help books. But Paul never did this. He was always personal. And he realized the life was bigger than his pain, struggles, relationships, desires, and dreams.


It seems my favorite books are the ones that get me feeling like I am with the person, hanging out with a person who is being quite vulnerable, telling me all sorts of things that are personal. And that's what Paul did that makes me like him so much. He wasn't afraid to leave himself open for the sake of others. I, on the other hand, feel so helpless once I share my intimate thoughts and feelings. It's as if I know/fear that I'll be crushed for trying. Honesty hurts so much more than staying silent does, I suppose it's always been that way. And yet, Paul is willing to face that chance for us, for me.


The other thing is, he was passionate, as if he actually believed this stuff was true, always going off about heaven and hell because he knew life has extremes. One minute he talks about how disgusting sin is and how it hurts God in His heart, and the next minute he says he would go to hell for people if he could, how he would die for them and go to hell if they would just trust Christ. It's hard for me to read this, because it gets me feeling guilty about not loving people very much, and then I feel very thankful for people like Paul because it means that if a person knows Christ, they become the sort of man who says difficult truths with his mouth and yet feels things with his heart that make him want to go around and die for others. I find that so beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wonder if I can do the same?

God can you use me, I feel much like Paul.
God can you use me, I don't know anything at all.
God can you use me, I don't have a Damascus road.
God can you use me, I know It's MC but it's not that old...

Still you love me, though I break your heart.
Still you love me, I just don't understand.
Still you love me, I don't know my part.
Still you love me, that's why you're God and I'm man.

God You amaze me every day of my life.
Why did You chose the pain and the strife?
God there's no hurt, now that You're here.
God there is freedom when we learn to hear...

That You love me, when I cry.
That You love me, when I sin.
That You love me, yes You chose to die.
That You love me, I don't know where to begin...


But I'll love You, with all of my heart
But I'll love You, even if all turned away
But I'll love You, yes it's time to start
But I'll love You, this is my choice...I will always stay.
Yes I'll always stay, help always stay. Please forgive the way I hurt you. Yes I'll always stay. I don't deserve you. Yes, I'll always stay. It's all contradictions...but God you work that way. For living is dying and dying is life. So now I can die and know I'm alright!

1 Timothy 6:12 - This will be me to my dying day, if nothing else in my life stayed solid except my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ...I'll be ok. I will see brighter days ahead.

Day 9

"Read Matthew 13:44-46

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.


1. What are some ways you can tell what someone values?

2. How did you feel the day you discovered Jesus?

3. Write about this statement: If Christ is our treasure, it changes our outlook on success, pleasure, and approval.

4. What does it mean to enjoy God's blessing without demanding them?

5. Has God encouraged you in your commitment to treasure Him? How?

6. Has God tested you in your commitment?

7. Jim Elliot was a missionary that was killed because of his faith. Before he died, he wrote in his journal a quote that has now become famous. The quote is "He is on fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Write this quote in your own words.

8. Journal any thoughts you may have."

The Lord of Perspective

Perspective on life is everything. God let our perspective be more like yours. Let us realize how much you love and watch over us.

Frodo: "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."

Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought."

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us...


Jesus..."You have my sword." :)

Laughter is the best medicine. A smile doesn't hurt either =)

"And that is an encouraging thought."

Day 8

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

1. What does it mean to be strong in the Lord?

2. How should we stand firm?

3. How important are each of the components of the armor of God?

4. Is one more important to you specifically? Why?

5. How can you be more alert?

Day 7

"Read Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.


1. Can a person walk with God and not know God's word?

2. Where do you hear God's truth spoken?

3. Describe your practice of reading the Scriptures?

4. What does it mean to study God's word?

5. What does it mean to meditate on God's word?

6. How do the Holy Spirit and God's Word work together in a person's life to transform, encourage, and direct?

7. Journal any thoughts you may have."

Sin is Beaten

I was going through my old blog today and found this written there. From three years ago. It was meaningful then, and it's meaningful now.

Once upon a time...

No, that's not how it went.

A long time ago...

Much better.

...There was a boy, who knew everything. Well, he thought he did anyway. He grew up in a loving family, but as he grew his humility lessened...

Make sure you explain that it wasn't on purpose!

...Of course the lack of humility wasn't deliberate, but it was there none the less. The boy's name was Derek Williams. Derek's problem was he believed in works, not God.

That is a problem. And are you sure that his name wasn't a different D.W. we know?

ahhemm...Derek was a good kid, if you judge by earthly standards.

Which we don't *cough cough*

...And the problem with all "Good people" is they just don't need God. And that is the mentality that Derek possessed as well. So Derek fell deeper and deeper into his way of living. And I'm sad to say that he never learned from his mista....



HOLD IT!!! That's not what happened!



...As I was saying...However, one day, Derek realized something. He didn't know anything, he didn't know anything at all. Derek's world came crashing down on top of him. After years of trying to do it himself, he couldn't take the pain and depression anymore...he called on his Savior. He called on that man, that man that he didn't even believe in, acknowledge, trust, or love. And do you know what happened then?

What?!? What happened then?!?

That savior that Derek called, the one whom Derek had ignored and persecuted all his life, ...he came. Even though Derek was undeserving, he came.

That's my Jesus isn't it? =)

Derek never really got things together after that...

You can say that again!

...But he has finally realized that it's okay not to know what is going on. In fact, he is starting to figure out what his purpose in life is. But do you know what the most important thing that Derek Williams has learned is?

What would that be?

He's learned that no matter how messed up he is. No matter how much he fails, no matter what anyone may think of him, no matter what negative things he sees in himself, no matter whether he doesn't know anything at all...

Wow, there really is no hope for the Guy ;)

...Jesus, his Savior, sees it all and still loves him. And that my friends is why Derek, who still doesn't have his act together, is at peace. Because, deep down, he finally believes, and knows that his savior believes also...in Him.


I knew it was my Jesus =) There's hope after all!


...His sin is...As far as the East is from the West...from one scarred hand to the other.

Amen.

That story feels new every time I hear it.

Day 6

Read Romans 14:1-8

1. Is it easier to follow rules or follow Christ?

2. What are some rules Christians impose on themselves and others?

3. What are some positive results of have a code of "don't's"?

4. What are some negative results?

5. How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life in the past week?

6. Were there times in the past week that you sensed God's Spirit nudging you and you failed to respond?

7. If you were to give a prayer to God describing what kind of relationship you want to have with Him, what would you say?

Day 5

Read Matthew 8:18-22

1. What are the most common excuses you hear people say for not doing what Jesus wants them to do?

2. What are your most common excuses?

3. Write a paragraph on this topic: When I choose to disobey, I break God's heart.

4. Agree or disagree: Obedience is loyalty to a person, not just following a rule.

5. Journal any thoughts you may have.

Day 4

Read Galatians 6:7-10

1. How have you seen the law of the harvest in people's spiritual lives?

2. What are some things you are sowing "to please the sinful nature" these days?

3. What are some things you are sowing to please the spirit?

4. Do the rewards for following Christ seem fair? Why or why not?

5. Journal any thoughts you may have.

Amazing Grace

William Wilberforce: It's God. I have 10,000 engagements of state today but I would prefer to spend the day out here getting a wet arse, studying dandelions and marveling at... bloody spider's webs.
Richard the Butler: You found God, sir?
William Wilberforce: I think He found me. You have any idea how inconvenient that is? How idiotic it will sound? I have a political career glittering ahead of me, and in my heart I want spider's webs.
Richard the Butler: [sitting down next to WW] "It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else and still unknown to himself." Francis Bacon. I don't just dust your books, sir.

I love the line "I think He found me". Amen!

Day 3

"Read Isaiah 6:1-8

1. What does it mean to have a vision of God?

2. Have you ever felt ruined like Isaiah did?

3. What are some results of being ruined and then healed? What were the results in Isaiah's life?

4. What are some differences between trying to root sin out of your life and letting God do it?

5. Write out John 3:16 and insert your name where it says "the world".

6. Journal any thought you may have."


The John 3:16 thing seemed a little Middle School like (which was the point), but upon doing it...wow, I know it...but sometimes I need to be reminded.

Ladybugs and Cinderella

So I realize that I've already posted once today, but when you want to blog...you want to blog. I was irritated with myself earlier, if you knew me as well as I do, you'd get irritated with me too ;)

So I'm watching as this lady bug dive bombs my overhead light. Constantly slamming itself in to something that will eventually kill it...why? Because the light is too tempting and tantalizing for it to care.

My life sometimes follows the same route. Not lately, God has come back into the picture full-swing, but there are plenty of times that I just give into the temptations that Satan throws my way. Just like that ladybug.

Then there are the opposite days. I felt like a prince tonight. Don't get me wrong, I didn't slay any dragons or wicked witches. However, I did dance with a princess :) When I got home from walking at the park I was worn out. And guess who runs out to meet me? Anna, the soon to be birthday girl! She was wearing the full blown Cinderella get up!!!

She asked if I could help her find her shoes...and since every male in the human race should be willing to help a princess, I did. She started twirling around and I got "Cinderella" (the Steven Curtis Chapman song) stuck in my head. So I did the only thing that I could do at this point...I danced with her. And LOVED it!

I am so blessed. How many guys get to dance with Cinderella? Better yet, how many guys get to live a life without regrets, without looking back? Time to start doing just that!

Day 2

"Read John 6:60-69

1. Is there anything occupying God's place in your heart?

2. Has God ever given you "hard teachings"?

3. Have you ever chosen to go your own way, even when you knew it was against God's will?

4. What happened as a result?

5. Have you ever been tempted to walk away from God because it is difficult to follow Him?

6. Why did you stay?

7. Journal any thoughts you may have."



Lstm, God you DO have a sense of humor. My whole life was spent avoiding God, BECAUSE of His "hard teachings". Since becoming a christian I tend to let many things take God's place in my heart...but I keep trying anyway. My life made sense before now...but it had no meaning. Sometimes the things happening in my life right now make no sense whatsoever...but have all the meaning in the world. I stay because He's the only constant I have, and by golly let it not be said that I don't try, with every ounce of strength in me, to return the favor!

Day 1

"Read Matthew 16:21-28

Answer the questions in a separate journal


1. How can you apply this passage to your life?

2. What are some examples of selfish ambitions, behaviors, attitudes, and desires?

3. Which of these have been a part of your life in the past few days? Be specific.

4. What are the patterns of your selfishness?

5. How can you stop these things?

6. What does it mean to take up your cross?

7. What are the benefits of denying yourself and taking up your cross to follow Jesus?

8. Is the reward worth the price to you?

9. Journal any thoughts you may have."

A Call To Die - A Challenge

It's time, at least for me. Maybe once I make my case, you might realize it's time for you too. Today was the last day of Ridgecrest's Disciple Now Weekend (aka 180 Weekend). IT WAS AMAZING! But honestly, I feel that I missed out on something big. You see, Matt Oswalt (the Middle School Minister) asked the kids to partake in a group wide 40 day fast, in preparation for God's work this weekend. Many of them not only chose to do so, but DID maintain their end of the bargain the entire time. I didn't, not entirely. I made excuses or did it with a heavier heart. I'm confessing this to you because I'm starting over again tomorrow. And I'm going to post word-for-word the "Challenge" and each of the 40 days verses and thoughts, including my own. At best, this may be something that you need as well. At worst, it keeps me accountable to opening my mind and heart again.

God is working. I'm ready. My life is far too much about me anyways. Regardless of any decision made, I do ask that you would keep me (and any "unknown" others) in your prayers as I try to go where I'm feeling lead. *DISCLAIMER - Everything Below Is The Work Of Matt, not myself*




A Call To Die
A 40 Day Journey Of
Fasting From The World And Feasting On God

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A Call To Die? Not just strong words from a theologian and martyr, but our very call from Christ himself. The call to die is open to all of us who believe, but few of us will follow when we know the real cost of discipline. It's much easier to be a nice Christian than a radical one. It's much more fun to be entertained by Jesus and the church than to struggle and strain in the pursuit of purity and the presence of God. No, the call to die is not for everybody~only for those who are serious about experiencing the greatest adventure life has to offer. If you choose to answer that call, you will be in for some very hard moments, but take heart: It's well worth it in the end. "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

How to do the 40 day journey:

This is not something to take lightly. It will take commitment of heart, time, and energy. Before you begin, look carefully at this list of requirements:

1. At least 15 minutes each day for 40 days. There is nothing "magical" about 40 days, however, many times scripture makes reference to 40 day time periods.

2. Read through the scriptures, find at least one application, and write your thoughts down in a separate journal. Writing sharpens your mind and your heart.

3. Pray each day for God to help you apply the principles and truths.

4. As a statement to yourself and God of your commitment to answer His call to follow him, make a decision to fast from something for 40 days. Fasting is denying yourself of something so you can focus more completely on God. Most often, people talk about fasting from food, but I'm no necessarily suggesting that here. We're talking about a 40 day diet, fasting from certain everyday things that occupy your time, so that it clears you to feast on God. If there's one thing that you just feel that you can't give up...that's probably the one to choose.

Your fast can be anything that requires a sacrifice on your behalf. Pray about it. God will show you. Determine what your fast will be and we will begin this 40 day fast that leads us closer to God.