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.