Being a 20-something is hard, here's what I'm learning.

I mean really, most of us didn't actually listen to our parents, or our school counselors, or our mentors, or people who are smarter then you and I. So now we come to this place, am maybe you can relate to where I have been over the last year or so.

I'll avoid using the trendy saying "the real-world" because guess what, we've been in the "real-world" since birth, it just begins to look different and responsibilities start to kick in. The world is just as real now as it was while I was obtaining my undergrad. I mean, I could continue to just work at the local Pizza Hut and squeeze by financially, some of me wants to do this because it is probably one of the best mission fields I have ever been on. So, the few of you reading this that are doing something like that, be encouraged, your job might seem useless and unsatisfying, but you are in the best opportunity to show Christ.  But now the question is, what do I want to do with my life, and how do I want to do it?

Well, obviously the easy answer is the one that I have given many times and will continue to spit out in small talk and locker room chit-chat: "Follow God's call and bring Glory to His name."

What does that really mean? Does it mean we ALL should be in full-time ministry? Well that one is easy to answer, no.  Heck no.  Full-time ministry is hard, and demanding, and if you don't truly have a call for it, you will quit after only a few short years. 50% of MDiv graduates leave full-time ministry in the first 5 years. Remember, these are guys who are specifically studying to be in a church setting, and trust me, it is no easy task.

Instead, I keep being hit by an older worship song that we use to play in my Youth Group all the time. Come Away by Jesus Culture.

You see, once we let go and let God, well, "Its gonna be wild, its gonna be great, and its gonna be full of Him." I'm not really sure what the next 5 years are going to look like, I have a general idea, but I fully understand that things can change in only a few short weeks. I will not live my life in fear. A mentor of mine once said; "Often we sit and wait for the Lord, and though that is good, what exactly are you waiting for? Just do something and do it with every ounce of passion you have."

Well said Audrey, well said.

Once again, random rant of the Day and/or things that the Lord is teaching me. I only hope what I say can encourage you in some way.


Jeremy

Denominational Differences: Are they THAT terrible?

It's rather confusing, and I don't pretend to know it all, but here's some thoughts that might help, things that I've been dealing with over the last year or so.

 Any time this topic is brought up I usually hear 1 of two things. 1) People often point fingers saying, "We are right, they are wrong," especially when it comes to worship by music.  or 2) "Denominations don't matter and only create separation in the Body of Christ"

My response:
1)"We are right, they are wrong."
    For the most part, this is a terrible thought to have.  Just because one church decides to do thing differently such as, worship or communion or baptism, does not mean their wrong.  Lets get one thing straight here my friends.  Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), if a church believes this to their core, great! Then we are all apart of the same Body of Christ.  So, lets stop pointing fingers and start to recognize each other as brother and sister.

2) "Denominations don't matter and only create separation in the Body of Christ"
     Okay, so, there is a little more validity to this point, but if we can see past the first point I brought up, then denominations can be good and serve a purpose.  Something that I've noticed in my personal walk is that the Lord speaks to all of us in different ways.  That's the beauty of the Holy Spirit.  He knows that we are all wired differently and need to meet Jesus in a different way.  For example, during YWAM one of my teachers always had the lights off and made the room very dark, when someone asked him why, he said that God met him in the dark like the Israelites in the Tabernacle (this was a tent they carried around that would 'hold' the presence of God).  Some people like loud music, to make a joyful noise (Psalms 98:4), while others prefer traditional styles of worship that date back to the early church reciting prayers together. One is not better than the other, just a different style.

Now there is, of course, a lot of differences in Theology, but that's a study for another day. :)

    So do not be so afraid of the difference in denominations, just know, that we are all here for the Glory of the Lord and to further his Kingdom.  To be honest, I have grown so much in my faith jumping into different styles of worship and being part of different churches.  God is so much bigger then the box I continue to put him in.  If you've never been to a different type of church, consider trying it out, you might just like it.



Chained to him,
Jeremy

"You Know Me"

     God does.  He knows you.
     From where I stand, I would say, its something that becomes more and more obvious the longer you have been a Christian, and here's why:
         For some reason.  Things tend to work out.  Big or Small.  They work out all for the better and glory of God.  Now before I get any further, let me make myself very clear in saying, that doesn't mean life is easy, or that there aren't going to be hardships, there always will be.  But God knows me.  He knows what I can handle and how much, and when.  These are two very big statements.  Putting together the business of everyday life, and the ever important thing called timing which truly effects everything.

I truly wish I understood more of God's reasoning behind why he does certain things, but I'm coming to realize that there always is reason, sometimes, its just not for us to see.
As you know, I've started dating this beautiful girl.  We have been open and honest from our very first conversation in how we view the world and what our intentions are for each other, as well as in trying to follow God's call.  I look back to only two years ago today, things were so different. So much of how I view the world has changed.  Life has gotten so much more complex, yet, so much more simple.  I've come to live and learn and realize that nothing else matters, but bringing glory to God.  So when I'm faced with a decision its simple, I just ask myself  "Does this bring Glory to God?"  I've come to find that the answer can almost always be yes, when I have the correct mindset.

How He Loves

     Its a song.  That you all have heard before I'm sure.  And by itself, its a beautiful song that can open your heart to just How much the Lord loves us, loves you, loves everyone around.  A concept that always seems so simple, but gets deeper and deeper the longer you follow Christ.

    Anyway, I was sitting in my office today at Faith Lutheran Church, just getting ready for the next few weeks with the youth group, going over lessons and what not.  This song came on Pandora, and I was reminded of the origins of this song.   I you don't know it, take 5 minutes to listen to this video.  Trust me, its worth it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1noag-BWqHc.

   The Holy Spirit hit me.  In a big way.  I say the Holy Spirit did, because I'm much too selfish to have these thoughts on my own:   I started crying in my office like a weirdo, I mean, I've only been here 2 weeks, and already I'm having a break down in my office!  But God moves, I'm there, I'm ready.  I am praying that same prayer, "God, I would give my life today if it would shake the youth of the nation."  I want to stand up and proclaim that.  I've always been called to youth and wanted to help them, but its such a different process to say, I give my life today if it would shake the youth of the nation.

   Just like John says though, don't let it be my song, don't let it be about me, some how some way, All Glory To God.   I will start with the 12 kids I have here, how easily can we spread a revival with 12 kids that are on fire for Christ.  

I don't know much...

Do you ever feel like your best just isn't good enough? Well I know I have.  Many times. Especially in school, I have never been good at school.  Or in relationships, that comes up all too often. Or maybe while playing Call Of Duty (a first person shooter), I can never seem to win on that 'life wasting' game.    But I've come to realize, it's all on the perception that will define what "good enough" is. 

Who was it that said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." I believe our good buddy Albby Einstein.  I've learned a lot of things in 2013, and this one has just come up many times.  I'm never going to be the next Hank Manning, or LeBron Sackic, but if someone wants their car fixed, give me a shout.  Or if someone's needs to talk about their life, I can drink a warm cup of coffee and 'listen' realllllllly well. Remember this in 2013...

And on that topic, another thing I've come too see is just how important communication is.  I'm actually a comm minor, so as far as being able to communicate, I know HOW to do it, but actually doing it is  a whole 'nother story.  I often have the attention span of a gold fish and explain things about as well as a parrot who only knows 8 words. But when it comes down to it, especially in interpersonal communication, I find myself being more and more open and honest.  Not trying to get my opinion out, or have a 'schedule', or showing off what I know, but be open and honest in everything.  I have come to find that it's amazing how many disputes can be fixed, or even avoided completely, by clear communication. 

My last thought: perception is reality.  

Look if I think something to be true, then it's true.  Even if it's not. This is especially the case for those who don't understand the importance of communication.  More then anything else, this has made me more aware of body language. Which in turn, makes me more aware of my own body language.   What signals are you sending out?  

How do you sit? 

How do you stand? 

How do you walk? 

Where do you look?

Do you cross your arms? 

Are you engaged in whatever activity? 

Etc. 

 It's amazing how far a smile can go. 

Till next time, 

J

Jjjj.  Jcrob33@gmail.com

     Bringin in the New Year 

You never understand a person, until you hear their story.

So I have a friend named Petie.   Well actually, Its something really Korean but no one can pronounce it, so we use his middle name, Pete.   I'm just getting to know him.  And through him I have found yet another inspiration in life.

       Pete and I work together at the Pizza place, he's the assistant manager, which basically means he runs the day to day in the store usually doing about 50 hours a week.  He's the kind of guy that everyone likes, he always has a smile, which is very rare at a job like this, he works harder then anyone else in the store, and is always trying to help the drivers and insiders in whatever their tasks are that they must complete before they get to go home.  Well him and I were closing together and cleaning up, we got to talking and he let me in a little more about his story.  You see not only does he work 50 hours a week at the Pizza place, but he also works at another well known restaurant 30 hours a week.   To me, it didn't add up.  He should be able to live perfectly fine with just the Pizza salary... So I asked him.

     He told me a little bit more of his story.   When he was just out of High school in Detroit, he got into drugs.  Now we all know Detroit is a hard city, and its very common to be on something there.   His older brother, however, went to college.   He got a degree in law at the University of Michigan, then his MBA at Denver University.  Pete eventually saw the light and realized he had to move away in order to get clean, which he did.  He came to Colorado, sought after help, and sobered up quickly.  His brother, now graduated 3 years ago, has not been able to find a job.

     This is where their stories line up.  Pete, being the loving guy that he is, is paying off his brothers student loans.  Every month he sends money back to his family so that they can pay off student loans.   This brings me 2 trains of thought.   1st)  How unexcited and nervous I am to go into debet with student loans for Denver Seminary, and 2nd) Love Does.

I've been reading this book slowly, and here is a prime example.  He didn't complain about his situation, he doesn't even tell anyone, he just does it.  He works hard to help his brother in any way that he can because, Love Does.  

    Love isn't just a feeling, its our actions that show it.  He Loves his brother with his whole heart, and therefore, he is willing to work his butt off in order to pay for HIS LOANS.  

   On top of this, Pete volunteers as a coach for a basketball team of kids at a local Korean church.  He says he does it so that he can help the kids break out of the stereo type and not run down the same path he did.


So heres to you Pete.   Thank you for all you do.


Jeremy
jcrob33@gmail.com



Random: snowboarding last week at copper. 

And Mary Responded, "I am the Lord's servant..."

And Mary Responded, "I am the Lord's servant..."

Before this, Zachariah, who was a astound priest, was told something similar, but he did not believe the angel.   You see, faith, is for everyone, from the least to the greatest.

The same holds true today.  We so often think that is the guy up front that would be the most blessed, or find the most 'favor' with God.  But the truth is, God chooses who he wants to.  Now we can get theological and try to understand why he chooses who he does, maybe this choice is done before time ever began, or maybe its because of obedience and discipline in our lives as Christians, but regardless, God moves.  Its nothing that we can do, all Glory to God.  He is what moves, so we can learn a simple lesson once again, be faithful to God, as he is faithful to us.

Beyond that, there is so much more I take from Mary's very simple response.  You see, the angel came, told her what was going to happen, she didn't even second guess.  Just, jumped right in.  I am the Lord's Servant.  There's a few other times that have these little one liners that have touched me in the past and deal with the same thing as they are responses, even cries out to the Lord:
 1st Samuel 3:10 - Samuel replied; "Speak Lord, your servant is listening."
       This is something I say often, first humbling myself before my Lord.
Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah said; "Here am I, send me"
      Again, just ready and willing to follow God's call, no matter what it is.

But I think you can see the common theme in these all.  These are all examples of being a servant of Christ.  Jumping in fully to whatever God has for you, for wherever he has put you or asked you to do.

Well, I've started to see some of this happen in my own life.  I work as a delivery driver for a local pizza place, I've been doing this as a second gig since I turned 18... shoot, that's 6 years ago!   Anyway, I'm back there again, and I'm just trying to be myself planted in Christ.  Well, its already made a difference.  My manager, who hasn't gone to church since 2003, saw me at church 2 weeks ago... I didn't even invite her or say anything.  But what an answer to prayer!  You must realize, I work in a place where the employee's have rough lives.  Are usually high or drunk daily, who feel they have no hope or way out.  We have the opportunity to be Lights in this Dark world.  The darker of a place you go, the brighter your light can shine.  All Glory to God.


Chained to him,

Jeremy
jcrob33@gmail.com

I was plowing the other day. From 11pm to 4 am. 

And it was fricken cold!!!

Getting Christmas weird.