KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: PHILIPPIANS 4:8

We focus on what is good because goodness is the essence of God. It can be as simple as something pure, just, or lovely. When we reach Him there will be no such thing as ridicule, stress, or negativity. Because they don't exist then, they should not exist now.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5

Everyone considers their own sin better than others. We justify it saying it's not as bad as others, when the root of sin is the same; separation from God. Don't ever begin to assess another persons heart unless you're willing to give them enough grace to forget their sin.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: 3 JOHN 1:5

Hospitality. The interesting thing about our relationship with God is that in every action of servitude, there is always room to go above and beyond; this is called kindness. Do not just give, but give abundantly out of the overflow of the heart, hospitality is a manifestation of this.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: MATTHEW 6:33

Keep your mind on the kingdom to come. Because therein lays the hope before us, which will alter your perspective while on earth. We won't be living circumstance to circumstance; rather for what is to come. However, the desire to do this only comes when you realize His love.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: MARK 10:34

Along with being last comes and action; Being a servant of all. Even experienced pastors forget this, they think with time and experience, that they don't need to serve anyone, that they should have things handed to them. Not so, they should know to serve everyone most of all.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: MARK 10:31

I know it's difficult, but it's mandatory. Many people look for assurance and confidence in the world and what it can offer here and now. They seek to be revered and admired by the thoughts and opinions of people. We, as children of light, don't; we take the low road.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: ROMANS 8:23

We're aliens to this world. The more He sanctifies and refines us the more we feel not at home. The more we walk in this world the more we recognize our new foreign nature. Don't be discouraged; the more you fail means the more you're aware of the world.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: PSALM 40:3

Singing only comes out of our mouths when we're happy. What a difficult place it is to be purposefully joyful to the point of unconditional praise, but nothing short of beautiful in His sight; attitudes that change the environment on earth; making a healthy habitat for others to enjoy.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: EPHESIANS 1:13

Hearing truth leads to our salvation. This is a principle; that when hearing truth, by the word, our souls agrees with it. With the Holy Spirit of promise we gain spiritual discernment; so when we hear truth, something should happen inside us that we rejoice together with the truth.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: ROMANS 12:9

"Let your love be sincere;" Other translations say genuine, without hypocrisy, sincere; don't just pretend that you love others, really love them. Regard them higher than your own self, that could go as far as always being conscious of the way you are acting. Hate what's evil, love good.

KINGDOM LAUNCH

I was super hesitant to commit to this, but in spirit of the month celebrating God coming down in a subjected human form, both fully man and fully God and bringing access to the kingdom of heaven; For the month of December, each post will talk about kingdom principles.

GOOD NEWS

Something that's specific to this life now is evangelism; spreading the good news of the gospel truth. When we're with him and we're like Him, our hearts will ache for the lost as His. So do what you can now, making sure the gospel is just that; good news.

THANKFULNESS

A lot of people don't understand it's importance. The main thing is it places us in the right perspective so we can operate henceforth with a correct understanding of the gravity of our calling. It not being easy; It's something we make ourselves do to draw closer to Him.

LOSING

I feel... like... I can't measure up. Like everything I try to accomplish is in vain because it never works out the way I'd like. Maybe it's my perspective... it should be kingdom centered. But I think of Jesus. And I am comforted because I am in good company.

THE NEW HAPPY

Have you ever loved someone with such a fierce love that you would do anything to be with them?And if you couldn't, then for them to at least be happy; no pain in their lives... God loves us that much. He died for us to be happy forever.

INFORMATION

We look to information as humans, it's innate in us. We look to our handheld devices, computers, whatever it may be. We also look to people to learn and gain knowledge. We want to know information or that people care. When all we should seek to know is God.

SUCCESS

Success is what everyone wants. The reason they're unhappy is because of too much or too little. Success is measured only by God's thoughts and not man's standards. It is man that creates a standard, when in reality we have nothing to measure up to because we are loved.

LOVE IS EVERYTHING

The reason love overcomes everything is because love is the root stimulant for anything good. So that if anything is done out of love, it inspires; Motivating change. We are called to unify off this basis; So that if anything comes in opposition we have love to fall upon.

LUKE 17:5-10

If you have faith you can tell a tree, "be moved and planted in the sea," and it'll obey you, but a servant does what he's asked. While we would enjoy utilizing our faith in miracle manners, we have that capability because of Him, and do what we're told.

GET LOST

God wants us to get lost inside of Him. So we know that if we are getting lost in anything but Him, then we are failing our purpose; why we were created. We're failing Him. The commodities of this world are enticing but in the end take us away.

WHY I LIVE

I was thinking; examining my heart as I do and found many a-humanistic fleshly desire, which repulsed me and made me long for the day when I finally pass and see Him. I came to this realization that I live for Him, that He may be glorified in me.

HANG-UPS

Everybody has their hang-ups. Maybe from past experiences or personal offenses; How selfish is it of us though to force people to change to what makes us comfortable? These things also prevent God from being able to use us and thrive in us. We need to hang up the hang-ups.

ROMANCE

The idea of romance has been tossed around in my mind of late. Somewhere along the road, a very powerful, loving God designed it so we can comprehend a glimpse of how He feels. I've seen many resist it. If you don't love romance, you don't understand love; God.

TO BE USED

To be used by God is the greatest opportunity we have as mankind. If you're not being used and you're not troubled by the fact that you aren't, then I would severely check your stance and your heart. If we love Him, we will want Him to use us.

RADICALS

People often criticize the black and white people, who love the Lord with unashamed abandon. Even dismiss their choices as crazy, not understanding certain decisions, or make light of their personalities. Well, Jesus calls us to be set apart; if we are not living radical Christianity, it's not Christianity.

WHAT IF?

We spend a lot of time focusing on the what-ifs in life. We worry about what may happen if we choose to act or not upon certain decisions. This is, of course, a lack of trust in God. So if you're asking "what-if," you are asking the wrong question.

RAIN TIME

Ever wonder why we want to stay dry when it's raining, but want to get wet when we shower? There are different times and settings in which things are appropriate and when they are not. Because of this we can rest; that appropriate things happen in their appointed time.

APPENDAGES

I see this a lot, people come to Christ and instead of getting plugged into a community of fellow believers who are honest and loving, they detest the body and fall away from Christ. Appendages cannot live apart from the body. This is a system God has ordained; fellowship.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17

"The love of Christ controls us because we have concluded this: that one has died for all; therefore all have died... Therefore we regard no one according to the flesh... If any man be in Christ the old things have passed away; all things are become new."

GIVE TO GET

In relationships, you have to give a little to get a little. If you ever feel lonely or alone... Are you making an effort to love others? Friends don't just show up on doorsteps, that's not how it works. Let go and serve first. This is a kingdom principle.

EASIER

Some days I'm overwhelmed with unsatisfaction and disappointment. It'd be easier to quit. It'd be easier to give in, let the malcontent do its thing and then haunt me until Jesus delivered me from it. But in the long run, it's easier to let Him take care of it first.

GRACE IN VAIN

We receive the grace of God in vain when we don't do what's asked of us. It's different than people who aren't already in Him, they receive the grace of God in vain when they reject Him. We're His children and should be used; or else there's no point?

PURITY

Because sin is separation from God and in Him is light and in us is no good thing; you could draw a formulation that sin isn't bad just because, but because God is so purely good that anything that is not like Him, or glorifying to Him, is evil.

BENEFIT

I hear a lot of people getting offended by other people. They talk as if they are better than the person they're gossiping about. Christ calls us to esteem everyone higher than ourselves. Seek out ways to give everyone the benefit of every doubt, living peaceably with all men.

I MUST DECREASE

It's funny, there are times I'm convinced that I can be used by God, that I can help others and inspire and encourage. Yet then I am always gently reminded that I can't do any of those things. It has to be God working through me by His grace.

LIBERTY

Liberty and grace go hand in hand. We're called to liberty, and all who are in Christ will feel no obligation but an abundance of love. So know that if you act because you feel bound, then you are constrained; acting against the will of God for your life.

HINDSIGHT

I was encouraged today, hearing an old timer speak on hindsight. How the Lord brought him to the place he was. He could look back on the moments God was teaching him dependancy and a growth in faith. I have hope now to look to the present as growth.

CONDITIONAL

I hear people say, "It's a different time, things don't translate as they did in biblical days." God has been dealing with people a long time, and the culture may be different but the condition of our hearts isn't. We haven't changed and neither has He or His statutes.

THAT KIND OF LOVE

We dream our whole lives to be loved; it's what we crave. We have an idealistic picture of the perfect relationship or person in our heads. If we realized how much God loves us, more than idealism; That kind of love... can change the world, motivating lackadaisical into action.

DEFEATED

I'm going to be honest. There are times in life when you rely on what you know, on the bedrock who is Christ; ignoring emotions, to make it through circumstantial means to get to the foundational end. I feel... defeated in many areas, and He's my substructure through it all.

INSECURITY

The world sets a standard to which we are measured. We give in by handing over our rights to insecurity. They shape us, frighten us, and make us act. We find our hope in everything and everyone but the one who can set things right and bring us establishment.

COFFEE TALK

A man told me today that his wife drank and drove the opposite way down an off-ramp with his twin daughters killing herself and them instantly. They were three. Cops told him, he dropped to the floor, He didn't even know his wife was a drinker. He now laughs.

MUSIC

There is something about music that changes moods and twists emotions. It can make a person move both physically and internally. Whether it's either mentally or spiritually, everyone loves music. God also has these same powers, this is why I see God in music, it's a gift from Him.

JOHN 8:15

"You judge after the flesh, I judge no man." Jesus doesn't separate, or esteem, or select or choose. He doesn't prefer, approve, decree, or give opinion. If He does judge, it is in truth. If we do not judge in full compassion and truth, we are in the flesh.

OPPOSER

We feel characteristics of God in peaceful moments. We read about His goodness in His word, and we recognize truth when we hear it. So we know that every thing that opposes these traits are not from Him but devices of the enemy; therein we discern light from dark.

2 CORINTHIANS 2:15-16

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God to those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is adequate for such a task as this?" ESV - NLT.

CAPTIVATED

Just got home from a great weekend at Forrest Home. God has always met me in large ways there. This year He stole my heart and brought me to tears... Admittedly much more as well; changing my perspective in massive ways. I've only begun this next stage of life.

TEAR DOWN

Paraphrasing Alan Redpath; God's great purpose and ultimate goal for our lives is to destroy all confidence in ourselves and tear down our flesh only then to create a new reliance on the spirit, by building our faith and renewing our souls to establish a supernatural confidence in Himself.

WORD STUDY

If you ever find in your readings a word that you don't know the meaning of, do a word study. Look it up in the dictionary. Find correlating times it's used. Search out the meaning; even of words you do know. It can change your perspective and bring understanding.

PLEASING GOD

Imagine being a Jew, living your whole life to please God by the law. Then Jesus comes down and tells you that all you need is to accept grace. Is it possible that we think we're pleasing our God one way, when Jesus is simply calling us to love?

PSALM 23:3

"He restores my soul." Our soul is something that can be broken. It can be overcome and defeated. Through that; there is an outpour of frustration, conflict and emotional insecurity. Our soul is something that needs to be renewed. He is able to make us whole again.

UNKNOWN

Life presents us with an overwhelming amount of problems. God answers prayer and we're thankful. But He provides us with far more than just that. By grace, He prevents problems and provides in ways that we couldn't even begin to think about asking for. I'm thankful for the unknown.

JOB 1:20-22

Then Job arose, rent his mantle, shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there: the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

BORN AGAIN

Sometimes, I think about the things I've gone through. I think... If I had the option to be born all over again; Would I want to be? My answer of course is, "YES!" Because I never would've met my Lord and best friend. There's only one reason to live.

OUT OF LOVE

I hear, "We just fell out of love," or "We grew apart." I ask the question; Did you ever really love in the first place? Because if you really knew how to love properly, you would never grow apart. This is a poor excuse for not following God's will.

LISTENING & CHICKEN

I've managed to build a decent relationship with the owner of the Chick-Fil-A by my house. Today he came over to my table and we talked about how he and his wife moved here to start the business and the difficulty of listening to God, God bless his faith.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-8

"We are confident, knowing while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord... and prefer to be absent from the body and present with the Lord." This should give us hope, to be joined to the Lord, and keep us living in righteous truth.

INSIDES

Everything is on the surface when we adjust our appearance. Our molecular, physical body is not just made of what we see, there are organs and systems throughout us. What we see does not make up who we are. Would we adjust as much if the inside mattered also?

IS IT ABOUT...

Have you ever tried to sit back and look at the world from God's perspective? What is it about people that made Him care so much that He would not give up on us; that He came and died for us so that we can hang out with Him.

SEEK HIM OUT

If we aren't experiencing the presence of God in our lives is it because He has held Himself back from us, or because of us? He has wholly poured Himself out on the cross, in bloodshed, for our sakes; so that it's our job now to seek Him out.

GOOD ENOUGH

Satan would love to make you feel like you're not good enough to be in a relationship with God. To feel like you can't give ten minutes because you feel like you should be giving more is one of the largest lies to get you away from Him altogether.

COLOSSIANS 1:27

"Christ in you, the hope of glory." Amidst the struggles of this life, this is why we keep going. Glorification is achieved through Jesus alone. We'll one day be perfect and satisfied. We keep remembering this, it is our hope, so we can live for Him each new minute.

CONQUERERS

We are more than conquerers. In Him we have all power to overcome any obstacle with flying colors. Whatever the enemy whispers into your life, or has spoken over you since you were young; no amount of insecurity or self consciousness can keep you away from this doubtless fact.

FULLNESS

Do we live full lives? Or live fully with the briefness we're given? Your life is going to fade; It could be today. If we're stuck or complacent, we're not living fully. So listen and impact others, because in the end all we have left is heaven and people.

GOD'S PLAN IS PERFECT

A friend of mine has recently gone through a painful ordeal... Losing something very dear to him. The only comfort he has is the daily reminder of the promises of God. He took himself out of the picture, placing God in His rightful position repeating, "God's plan is perfect."

AUGUST FIRST

It's nine minutes before this August 1st will never happen again. Recapping my day I can think of highlights and lowlights. I sit here now thinking what it would be like to truly live every minute for my Lord. This happens everyday, everyday I am thankful for His grace.

W/ ALL YOUR H, S, AND M.

You're missing the point. There's no amount of things you can work to, to be in tune with God. He is sovereign and He can distribute His spirit how He likes. Fortunately, He likes to give freely to all men who desire Him. Remember the first and greatest commandment.

GREATNESS

What makes a man great? Is it the amount of achievements he overcomes in his life? The summation of a large work that points to one or two accomplishments? Is it by papers and noteworthy plaques? Or by living everyday as it will pass away along with everything aforementioned?

NOT SUPPOSED TO

We were not created to feel loss or left out. Loneliness should be obsolete; it should have never begun. Sadness should be happiness. We're not supposed to know that lying exists. Marriage shouldn't end. Love should never fail. And we were not given life so that we could die.

COMPLIMENT

I don't understand why people think good things about people and don't constantly tell the person, reminding them how wonderful they are. This life is a vapor. If you have a compliment, be bold and tell someone. Always... Everyday. You may not get another chance. Live in this way.

DEEPNESS

There are levels of which people deal. There’s light play, cover up; in which they attempt to push away facing reality. There is busyness; in which people find things to occupy what should be directivity. Then there is deepness; in which you can face life head on, alongside Jesus.

WHY ASK WHY?

We should ask the question, 'Why?' If we sit back and wait for information to come to us, we may not progress. Asking, Why things are how they are, is the fastest way to grow. It's confrontational, you may have to face hurtful things. The result is stronger faith.

EMOTIONALISM

Emotionalism is intensely personal. You should not act off of it, in any circumstances. You should act from The Spirit only. In relationships, you should save that piece of yourself for your spouse, not relinquishing it to anyone; or what else separates your spouse from the rest of them?

I HAVE DECIDED

This has been laid on my heart today: I have decided to follow Jesus, though I may wander I still will follow, the world behind me, the cross before me, though none go with me, I still will follow. No turning back. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

CHECK

I check everything with this thought; always in my mind. No matter what I do or problems I face, that if at the end of the day my main goal isn't to know God and love Him completely, I've missed the point completely. Thus is the point of existing.

SIDETRACKED

"Fix your eyes on what lays before you. Mark out a straight path before you. Stay on the safe path, do not get sidetracked, keep your feet from following evil." Why are we so fickle to ignore what's in front of us? Train yourselves to love light; not darkness.

SIMPLE

God is not hidden. He didn't create us to then hide Himself and watch us struggle on our own. He created us to be near Him. He makes Himself personal and relatable, bringing Himself down to our levels so that we can have the opportunity to know Him. Simple.

FILLERS

We ignore our problems. The tendency to not face our hearts is our largest downfall. God desires our full hearts. How can we give it to Him if we don't know what's in it? I urge you to seek out yourselves instead of just seeking after time wasting fillers.

BLASPHEMY

The flesh in me laughs, but the spirit in me wants to defend Him. It raises a good question; Can we laugh at such serious things? In definition it means: The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God. It is out of irreverence and profanity that we laugh.

JOHN 3:16

Ever heard of it? Something is only worth as much as someone says it is, as much as they'll pay. We were worthless, our Father decided we were worth the highest price, deserving the most difficult payment. If you are a father you know why this is so arduous.

4th OF JULY

The last 4th of July, I spent it thinking I would be at a certain place this time around. But tomorrow is independence day and it feels like I've actually accomplished moving backwards. I've had an ideal 4th in mind that has never actually happened yet. Maybe next year?

IT'S ALIVE!

The bible is life. It's very bizarre how it works. Just opening the word to anywhere, life seeps from its pages. Perhaps, aside from the content, it's simply because God promises life from His word that it brings the spirit to life inside us. I need to read more.

JUNE GLOOM

It's been cloudy in San Clemente the past few days. It's almost as if June said, "I want to see how much gloom I could sneak in before I end." I love the weather, but the month has been a rather trying one. Monumental in the course of life.

ENDURE

There 's a hint of it throughout youth, you know things will get harder as you get older. You are asked to endure whatever comes your way. If it wasn't for Jesus, it'd be seemingly impossible. We know that in Him we can triumph because He has overcome the world.

INCONSISTENCY

Today I awoke to inconsistency. I made it to work early, only to walk sluggishly to the door. I sat down outside of the door early in the morning not wanting to go in. This world is consistently inconsistent. Then I recapitulated all the beautiful things recognizing His consistency.

STARTING CARS

I've been having trouble with the connection in my battery lately. I've gone to start my car about five different times and it doesn't start at first. So now every time it turns over I notice it; something so simple that I took for granted before. Count your blessings.

PIXAR

Besides the fact that I own every one of their movies; they really have not made a bad movie yet. Every single movie they've produced is just overwhelming with emotion and entertainment, even the shorts before the movies are great, hitting all the bases and accepted by all ages!

TWO

Man has a great capacity; daily faced with decisions with two different outcomes. Each outcome brings a new decision with another two different outcomes. Imagine the endless possibilities; how much damage we can do, or life we can bring. Jesus chose the right outcome everyday for His whole life.

CAUGHT UP

No this isn't about the rapture. The bible warns us about distractions and laziness. We hear our calling, see the forks in the road in front of us, then choose a direction. Today I leave you with this; You only go as far as you let God take you.

DEITY

"In Christ, the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form;" Colossians 2:9 NIV. Sometimes He calls us to conquer insurmountable odds. The world slips out of color and we are left holding onto Him alone; His unchanging Lordship, His sweeping love that can't fail, and His sovereign Deity.

GOOD GRIEF

Any time you have fun, any time you have a day worth remembering. Remember it's from His hand. Anything that's good in your life is because you're getting a taste of God; because He is goodness. You only experience good on earth because He exists. Imagine if He didn't.

OTHER PEOPLE

I thank God for people. Think about this... Instead of harboring bitterness; imagine a world without people. How alone you would be; nothing you did or owned would be important. I am thankful for the simple existence of other humans. They give me an opportunity to laugh and love.

ENTERTAINING THOUGHTS

To avoid attachment and sin, which will separate us from God, we must let go of ourselves and do what we know is right. This is done by not allowing ourselves to entertain the thoughts that we know are wrong that lead us astray. Don't give sin a chance.

SPITE

James 3:16; Out of our natural vain selfishness we seek revenge and disharmony for how the world affects us, causing disorder and spiting those we do not care for. God calls us beyond that inclination rectifying the situation(s) with love, achieving that trademark, setting us apart from the world.

JEALOUSY

"You'll worship no other God, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." If you wonder why sometimes you go through great loss, remember this. God desires your heart. You will not love anybody more than, or place anything else above Him. He won't have it.

MOTIVES

I have no motivation to get out of bed lately, some days I wake up and just want to roll over. This day was a new opportunity to serve God and bring people into His kingdom. Although I failed at both, I need to remember we’re children of light

SMALLVILLE

I realized I need to pay homage (I predetermined I wanted to work that word in here) to one of my other favorite shows. I've been watching it week by week since season one. It just finished it's best season I've seen and is going on for one more!

GOSSIP & SLANDER

I strongly believe that we don't even know we do it. How often do you talk about other people? Selah. Our conversation should not be focused on the acts of others, but only/always "what builds up and is fitting for the occasion, bringing grace to those who hear it."

LUKE 9:62

"Anyone who puts their hand on the plough and then looks behind him is useless for the kingdom of God." Like a man who found a treasure, we must drop everything, all we are, to rid ourselves of uncleanness to press on to what He is calling us toward!

NO PAIN...

I've heard it compared to domesticating an animal, what good is it wild and untamed? Or as a boxer training for a fight, the trainer makes him tougher. Likewise, not resenting Him for breaking me down that I may be used by Him; I should be rejoicing and thanksgiving.

A WEEK AGO TODAY

It was easier knowing where I was. Into the wilderness I go again to fend for myself, and fight for Christ. I’ve been close to throwing in the towel since; He’s always there calling me back saying: “This is the way, walk in it.”… I wish you were here.

L O S T

I’ve been waiting all season to write this one. But I have to give props to what I’ve deemed, “The Greatest Fictional Epic Of Our Time.” I have never seen a better developed cinematic form of grandeur. I don’t ever want it to be over, like many other things.

HOW GOD WORKS

How God works is outside of our understanding. Who can know the mind of the Lord? Not me. It’s quite maddening actually. But I’ve seen His goodness, His faithfulness; the way He brings repetitive reoccurring confirmation into the things spoken into our hearts. You could almost say this is…

LACKING GENTLENESS

Titus 3:2, "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling; but gentle, showing true humility to everyone." True humility in ESV is also, "Perfect courtesy." This hit me like a weight today; something everyone knows I am lacking. Jesus calls me to courtesy/humility; I will try my best.

WIDOW IN AFFLICTION

She trembled as she picked up her drink. This dear old woman, she mentioned her husband dying three months earlier; how she’s stressed and spinning in circles. She said with tears in her eyes, “55 years, I had always hoped it would’ve been me first.” I couldn’t bear it.

THIS IS CYNICAL

"No greater love does a man have than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." How do we love? By never ceasing giving your all; 100 percent, non-stop, self-sacrificing to where it kills you. Then you can say you loved and tried. Once you're dead.

1 KINGS 11:1-10

No king before or after will be like him. Wisdom, respect, riches, righteous in his ways. Turned from God in his old age because of the women he let in close to him. This speaks volumes about who we should let in, lest we be easily persuaded elsewhere. Selah.

VISE

If you are not affecting the people around you in a positive way, you are not doing your job as a follower of Christ. If you are in Him, His will for you is that you win the people in your life to Christ, not having them influencing you.

MOTHER'S DAY

My mom is the greatest mom in the world. A lot of people say that, but you can always look at the fruit. Three children who are walking with God. God blessed me with her parenthood. Thank you for all the love, care, and conversation over the years mom.

FOR WHOM GOD LOVES

"For whom God loves, He chastens." Well, He must LOVE me. This last week was arguably the hardest week emotionally I've gone through... in a great while. He gently revealed to me the inner workings of my heart, all for the better because He’s now restored me to full!

WHY TEACHING.

I've made a lot of mistakes. I desire to teach so that I may, by the power of God by the Spirit, help someone not make the same mistakes I’ve made by learning from my own, by knowledge He’s given me. For this reason I will never stop teaching.

DEUTERONOMY 34:10-12

Moses was uniquely different from the rest of the prophets. God knew him face to face. This is upsetting to me, as my relationship grows, I yearn to see Him… to have His physical presence in the room. Jealousy precedes me, still I can pray to be like Moses.

UNDONE AND UNCLEAN LIPS

All around me is the same thing. I am surrounded by reoccurring mockery, forms of happiness mistaking me for a fellow advocate. I wish it to stop, but it never ceases. I've tried to halter, but still I'm called back to grant it access into the totality of me.

PART 3: DESTROY

Matthew 7:13-27 "...broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat... narrow is the way, which leads to life." The difference is building the house on sand or rock. A foundation with the regular reading of the word leads men from destruction.

PART 2: DRIFT

Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." With knowing it in our hearts and not just our minds, we can follow hard after our Lord without wavering or falling. His word is what keeps us straight.

PART 1: DECEIVED

James 1:22 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This is the first action of how to stay solidified in Him. If we only hear and do not do what we know is true, we can be classified as hypocritical, only then deceiving ourselves.

PRE PART: DEPENDENT

Independence and success is promoted all around us; reliance on self is the only way to make it. Unfortunately, the moment you gave your life to Christ, you surrendered your rights. Every single decision you make should now go through Him... His word; whenever you don't you're just striving.

NEXT IPHONE G4

Here's the story, believe it or not. This guy left a test version of the new iPhone on a barstool somewhere. It was found and dissected, and is said to be genuine. I, for one, am excited and cannot wait to finally get this saccharine version. Hopefully on Verizon.

NOAH'S ARK

Noah lived to be 950 and took him 100 years to build the ark. He spent a good (more than) tenth of his life maintaining out of faith alone, waiting for a flood in a dry place. Would you spend a tenth of your adult life living by faith?

IF YOU LOVE ME

You'd respect me; you'd hold to everything I say; you'd cling to every word I wrote; you'd go out of your way in any circumstance; your thoughts would be consumed with me; you'd give all you had just to share one moment with me; you’d always love me first.

PERSPECTIVE

I’m only going to write this once. If you think something is wrong in your life, it’s most likely your fault. It's most likely because you're selfishly subjective, thinking your circumstances should suit your needs. Change your perspective. You have it bad, someone has it worse. Be joyful always.

EAT MOR CHIKIN

You can thank my beautiful girlfriend. She introduced me to this new obsession. About three weeks ago we went together, I've gone back about five times since. The customer service as well as the food is superb. I wish there was one closer to my house. Eat Mor Chikin!

THIS IS STEWARDSHIP

If you are saved, you will long for the words "Well done good and faithful servant." No matter what you have accomplished for Him, we'll all hear the same thing. These are the two things He requires from us who love Him, to be good and to be faithful.

TREES HATE YOU

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you just want the people to leave? You've had the social fill, and you just want to go to sleep. It has grown far too awkward already with the terrible conversation... Well, I've found the answer. Prepare to laugh.

GOOD MUSIC

Throughout the midst of a listening, you may hear something that doesn't seem right. If a part doesn't fit, it is distracting. Every piece of a song should belong to each next part of the song. This is also how albums should be. To me, this is good music.

JUST HOLD ON

My best friend said yesterday, "There is no end in sight." This always seems true when we're overwhelmed with temporary. Jesus will return, the end. We can look to that for hope. For now, He may not deliver us but will see us through the fire. Just hold on.

CHANGED THINKING

I grew up besotted with Jurassic Park. The slogan "65 Million Years In The Making," was not far behind. Confirmed in public education, I literally believed the earth was this old. I still don't know if it is, biblically I lean towards it not, but only God really knows.

TRANSGRESSIONS

"For I acknowledge my transgressions: my sin is ever before me." It's so overwhelming day in and out; the devil surely puts the weight on. The beautiful thing about this life of freedom, is I have a savior who, even when I willingly sin, is there accepting me again.

THE PUZZLE COMPLETED

The past week has been trying for me. Much seeking and self evaluation has gone on. It's the way my flesh scrutinizes my mind that makes me question myself. I know though, my God and my heart are solid and as Danyew says, “The best is yet to come.”

OLD LAW NEW

The old law was based around God. They were to keep it to make themselves holy and pure; benefitting them physically, socially, and mentally. Only if we could establish and sustain a God centered law; it would teach us how to be worshippers of God, not worshippers of ourselves.

IN THE BEGINNING

In the beginning God... There was Him; complete in three and Him alone. There was not us. We did not exist except inside the incomprehensible mind of our Lord. We did not know Him, but He knew us entirely. He created us then to depend on Him for life.

WHAT TO SAY...

I know our giving God has blessed me with a brain, an array of talent, and visionary potential, {so thankful} but I don't know what to write about. In summation folks, there are too many things that prompt response and thought, as well as too many subjects to discuss.

SOMETHING'S BLURRY

We preach the gospel because it's what God ordained to reach people. All the power is in the message of the death and resurrection. It’s good news for those who choose to believe; but if we blur the lines of truth they won't know why the news is good.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:13-14

"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." Even the Pharisee's knew of the resurrection of the dead. They still did not believe.

FALLEN ASLEEP

Those who have fallen asleep are those who have died. Jesus calls them this because He knows physical death isn't the end. There are two types of death. Clinical and spiritual. If you’re born once you’re going to die twice, if you’re born twice, you are going to die once.

HALF HOUR

We sit. We chat. We make time for the people we love. Coffee dates, Luncheons, Dinner...eons. Maybe an hour, maybe two, maybe even a half hour. God desires the single most precious thing we have; our time. Time is indefinite to Him, but it's everything to us. Make some.

HAS TO BE TIRING

"To us who He has set free, we are not bound." We are idiots if we go back in to sin. What he has set us free from, we should not go back to. Enjoy life in Him. Instead of tirelessly trying to make yourself, let God make you.

POLITICS: PART 2

I didn't mean to antagonize. With all love, I often feel I'm called to be bold and stand up for His righteous truths in this time where there are few doing so. I've known for a long time that I may be detested and mocked; Luke 6:22-23, Romans 3:21-28.

BABIES

I saw the picture of this baby and thought, "I'll post it and someone may find it as hilarious and Chewbacca-y as I do." Yes I want a child, yes I'm not ready, I heard I have to get married or something first...? Someday far off, only with her.

POLITICS

This is as political as I'll get at this point in my life. I see a nation that's complacent, backward, embracing dark, and despising light, entreating sin as "not that bad," over-justifying, under-learned, forgetting God, and taking advantage of His liberties, abandoning natural affection, AND in need of truth.

CREATED TO PRAY

Do I need to take the time? Why can't He just read my thoughts? What is it about talking to Him about every little thing? Does it change anything? I've concluded; we're created for divine fellowship. God hears His children and moves on our behalf, because He loves us.

MATTHEW 19:3-12

Testing Him with the law in their pockets; "Is divorce lawful?" Jesus antedated the law, going back to the beginning. "He made them male and female... Becoming one flesh, what God has joined together let no man separate." Look at God's intentions for us and find answers to opposition.

DEAR EVAN,

I have to confess I am slightly enamored. Your music is alluring and inspired. There’s something magnetic about a man who’s heart is for our God. Yours is clearly seen by the hearing of your music. I draw closer to Him because of your dedication. Praise Him. Love, Steven

NO WORDS

There are some things in life that are too powerful for words. They stretch beyond the largest intellect, surpassing all knowledge. Inexplicable and indescribable. They inflict us, they move us, they enrapture our hearts and fog our minds. For every thing where there are no words, there is God.

JOHN 8:12-59

They did not understand. Religious hypocrisy. They thought they were so right, when they were so wrong. Blind and proud, from below; The Pharisees. We are an educated few that spent our life studying these things with degrees to prove it, who are you poor callous-handed carpenter from Nazareth?

ASTRONOMICAL

"Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil." "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."

HOLINESS

Innocent animals that posed no threat, not violent carnivorous mammals, spilled blood so God could exemplify the magnitude and weight of our sin. In perfect purity, the slightest form of sin is appalling. Because we have never known life without sin, we have no concept of what holy is.

GOD OF THE WORD

You can know the Word of God in full, but do you know the God of the Word? This is why after about twenty-five years after conversion, Paul wrote to the Phillipians, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

BAND FINALITY, HOPEFULLY NOT

The knowledge that everything was going to be different after the hour, they melancholily took the stage. Self-proclaiming to be a cross between Radiohead and the Jonas Brothers, playing and singing violently because it was their last, Castledoor brilliantly captured the summation of their life within their songs' emotion.

HEAVEN'S REST

Your still small voice brings hope to all who wait on you. Lead us to the place where you'll restore our souls, and all our earthly strivings come to cease. Take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess; the beauty of your peace.

WORDS OF THE BAPTIST

“A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” There is not a single thing on earth you have, whether it be as delicate as a breath or expensive as a house, that has not been from the hand of God directly. "I must decrease." Selah.

THE UNNATURAL MAN

The natural man is opposite to the spiritual man. "I don't pray that you take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil." All we do should look dramatically different to the rest of the world and should feel completely unnatural to us.

A CRY OUT

Oh, slaves of omission; hiding in your refutation; denying all things blatant; You stare up and see His revelation, yet you continue in ignorance. Even more so revealed by His word; You’re without excuse. You honor yourselves instead of your creator. The work is done, turn now to love!

HEADPHONES

Orange County life today equals rain and time. Have a four hour break between classes, I am sitting in a local coffee shop listening to Evan Wickham through headphones. Music always sounds better with them. I can't explain it. It is just... fuller and more detailed. Also, watch this.

POOR FLASH

When I saw this I laughed. It also made me think. Many people go, go, go, and forget to slow down. James says, "My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Don't forget to take time for importance, or get ticketed.

FOR YOU ARE WITH ME

When all around is fading and nothing seems to last. When each day is filled with sorrow. When I walk through fire, I will not be burned. When the waves come crashing around me, still I know with all my heart. He's got the whole world in His hands.

GOOD RUN, DEAD SPIDER

I once met Sam Raimi on the streets of New York. I crossed the caution tape and security guards to get to him. There, we talked about Spider-Man. Surreal. It is a shame what happened. I'm not sure about this new revamp on what has become an old classic.

COULDN'T BEGIN

I couldn't begin to tell you how beautiful you are. How much I desire to be with you day in and day out. Take the world and replace it with you, without you I'm nothing. I've been waiting my whole life for something this great. Take me home.

FLESH AND BLOOD

"We wrestle not against flesh and blood; but principalities, and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The physical world faded today, I found myself in the midst of extremity and the state of emergency. Everything is spiritual. It's real.

BREATHING

Here it sustains us. It's necessary. In heaven it soothes us, each breath greater than the greatest sigh of relief. The reality of existence, taken in by a surplus of sense, corresponding to His presence. We will breathe then because it is good, and what is good is Him.

PART 3: BLESSED

Looking back on my history all I can see is failure. My life is always changing, God sent me friends. From the start we were destined for grandeur, we all understood, the wait is over. I remind myself of His love that's manifested in my friends, I am blessed.

PART 2: WE FORGET

The reason adoration stops is because we get busy and forget what was done. A selfless effort wins us momentarily but is soon forgotten due to everyday distractions. Let's surround ourselves daily with kindness to bring endless remembrance and to never lose affection or the passion of first love.

PART 1: REFLECT

We need to remember. It's surprising how fast people change their attitude. Especially in harsh and malice-laced moments. Remember the good to overcome the bad. We'll receive peace when we uphold what is important to our God. This is why we always need reminders, to reflect on what's good.

ANTICRASTINATION

Like Paul, I often do the things I shouldn't and I don't do what I should. Most people procrastinate easily, but I do tastefully. I don't enjoy it, I'm against it. Like now, I should be working, instead I found this picture of Batman and Darth Vader holding hands.

CREATED TO CREATE.

We're created to create; if we do not do so, we are not living life as it was intended. Creating can look as work or play. Accomplishing something... anything... When we are not creating, we are out of God's will. Utilization of our gifts places us in His arms.

WHY A BLOG.

The younger I was, the more I wanted to not do what everyone was doing. The older I get, the more I want to invest in the interests of my loved ones. My beautiful friends and my brother have blogs. So here's my blog in forty-nine words or less.