The City

I am currently in "The City"
Briefing in Chicago went well. I've really gotten to know my team well through Chicago, but more importantly through all the experiences I have had over the past few Long days.
My flight to Asia was with few problems as we arrived safely Tuesday night (Late Asia Time)
I am currently in an internet cafe which is pretty small, but air conditioned. We are staying in a type of hostel that is fairly nice. Each room has air conditioning so we are very thankful for that. We visited a univeristy today but did not stay long due to the V.P. not being available today. We are heading out tomorrow for a visit with him.
I have had a rough time taking in all the emotions I '[should] have' experienced. I cannot seem to grasp everything I have seen. I think I am too afraid to let myself take it all in. I know it will be difficult and heart-wrenting.
I've surprisingly met some people from various parts of the world here. Not something I expected.

Things to Look foward to...?

To my fellow servants of Christ this summer:

The Lord reminded me about something yesterday. Take each day as a day to enjoy the Lord, reflect his image, and share his Love and Salvation. Regardless of where(geographically) we are it is still our call to Love. My prayer and challenge is to not get too overtaken by the emotions of excitement that may cause our minds to lose focus of our daily life of evangelism. Wait patiently in the Lord for the time to come; eagarly seek the Lord with gladness.

I'm not sure about most people, but I continually 'need' one or more things ahead of me that cause excitement and a purpose in life. For example, Yesterday I got my hair cut, went shopping for an italian dinner and cooked an italian dinner last night to help raise money for a friend. This Saturday is my last day of work for almost 2 months, another italian dinner for a friend. Monday, around 7:15 p.m., I will be done with school. Tuesday I will be driving back home, stopping at my grandparents house on the way back to get lunch with them. Friday early morning I am heading to Chicago with some friends.....then....Project begins.

All of these 'events' cause excitement for me. I look ahead to these things and then once they are over I can see that they were not fulfilling. Don't get me wrong they will be 'fun' but not of that which I should have me hope set upon. Why is it that I always seek things and activites to gain happiness from.

1 Peter 1: 13-21

My hope should be FULLY set upong the result of the Cross

1 Peter 1:3-9

We have a LIVING Hope through the resurrection Jesus Christ from the dead!

Our King died from us and litterally conquered death. He reigns now and forever!

Rejoice oh Children of God!

Let us focus on the Cross, Loving God and Loving People (all people, not just those that are easy to love....Luke 6)

Enjoy what the Lord has graciously given us worshipping the Creator not the created.

Life in Sin

What is Sin?

Great question.  I've looked for a precise definition.

Origins of the word refer to missing the mark, or missing the target.

Romans 5

v.12 says that sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin.

v.13 sin was indeed in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law

This focuses back on Genisis  3.  The fall which lead to pain, suffering, and death.

Romans 3

v. 10-12 (Cited from Ps. 14:1-3)

None is righteous, no, not one;

no one understands;

no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

no one does good,

not even one.

2 Cor. 5:21  "For OUR sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin so that we might become the righteousness of God.

atonement and justification.  ahh  bible/church words.  But they are much more than that.

This verse shows how we are freed from the power and penalty of sin.

A ton of questions right now.....I'll finish this post at a later Date

Questions referring to Romans 5:13.  In relation to what is sin?  and back to genesis and the fall.  Sin is anything unrighteous, but what is that?  Is it all summed in the moral law of the Ten Commandments?  Why did Adam and eve become ashamed that they were naked?  Was nudity unrighteous?  Or was it befor ethe fall?  After Adam and Eve sinned both of their eyes were opened.  Opened to what?  I would suppose the difference between good and evil.  Is it so?  Why at that point did they run to sew fig leaves together because they were ashamed?  The serpant says that they will be like God knowing good and evil.  Is that true?  It surely enticed Eve.

Summer 2009

I am travelling to South East Asia this summer.

I desire prayer for my team and myself.

91% of my support is raised!!! :)

I leave in 30 days!

Prayer Requests:

*Each small detail of the Project

*Hearts of us going- that they be in complete humility, total surrender, and love of the Holy Spirit

*Many Conversations to be held regarding the Gospel

*Hearts of those we talk to- that God is working in their lives currently, stirring them up to be harvested

*The Support of my team and myself

*The staff members going- Ryan, Mike, Nick, Andrea, Ryan's family& nanny

*The students going- Abigail, Wade, Stephen, Matthew, Jacintha, James, Avery, Carolyn, Rebekah, Brady, Joby, Meghan, Jessie, Dayna, Aaron, Scott

*Our travel arragements

*Team Unity- that all of us will be the good neighbor and be caused to walk in the Spirit being Open, Honest, and Transparent. James 5:16

Surrender

God is good, I am a sinner! I am the worst choice to be called one of His own. He did it anyway.
Praise God for his Truth in the scriptures.

Our faith is not just a belief in the unknown. It requires a surrender!

Luke 3, John surrenders his life for the preparation of the way of the Lord.
Luke 4:1-13, Jesus surrenders his OWN glory by being obedient to the scriptures when being tempted by satan.
Luke 4:14-15, Jesus begins his ministry surrendering His will for his Father.
Luke 4:16-30, Jesus surrenders his pride and acceptance for the Truth of the Word.
Luke 5:1-11, Simon, James, and John surrendered their occupations and left everything for the sake of Christ.
Luke 5:12-16, the Leper surrendered public humiliation and pride to be healed by Jesus.
Luke 5: 17-26 the 3 FRIENDS surrendered their time, energy, humiliation all for one paralytic man in need of healing.
Luke5:27-28, Levi surrenders his high paying, greatly feared, stable occupation as a tax collector to follow Christ.
Luke 6:6-11, a man with a withered hand surrendered humiliation and put his faith to the test for Jesus to heal him.
Luke 7:1-10, The Centurion (a Roman (gentile) commander of 100 men) surrendered his good terms with the Jewish elders, his status as a Centurion, and his time to Christ in humility knowing Jesus was the Messiah to heal his servant with out even being near him.
Luke7:11-17, 36-50
Luke 8:40-48
Luke 9:1-6, 10-17, 57-62
Luke 10:1-12, response to the surrender 17-20, 25-37
Luke 12:8-12, 13-21(not everyone is called to give all his money away, but give what hinders his relationship with Christ)
Luke 13:10-17
Luke 14:25-33
Luke 15:1-7, 8-10, 11-32
Luke 18:1-8, 18-31 (not everyone is called to give all his money away, but give what hinders his relationship with Christ), 35-43
Luke 19:28-40
Luke 21:1-4
Luke 22:39-46
Luke 23:18-49

The List can go on and on.
What am I surrendering to make my faith, true faith.
If I really believe what I believe, am I living like it?
Am I more about _______ or Jesus?
-acceptance
-money
-confidence
-security
-comfortableness
-success in sports
-success in studies
-success in ministry

In what ways has the Lord sanctified me by the Holy Spirit where I have surrendered to Him?
In what areas have I not surrendered to completely to Him?.......Why? Do I not trust His Word?
1 Peter 1:3-9 (esp 7-9)
James 1
Success, money, acceptance, confidence, security, etc. are not our rewards for our faith....the reward is in heavan.
Granted we are blessed by God in many ways on earth as well.

biblestudymagazine.com

Aruna 5K

ARUNA5K

http://www.aruna5k.com/

Please help these women!!!!

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio.....or YOUR CITY anywhere in the world!!!

When: Saturday, April 18th, 2009 (First Annual)

Why: To raise money to rescue women trapped in brothels in Mumbai, India in the sexual slave trade.

Who: Runners, Walkers, sponsors, anyone

Run or Walk or sponsor!
Can't run in Cincinnati for the event date? Run in your city and raise awareness!
Each runner registered on www.aruna5k.com is encouraged to generate a team of sponsors to raise $50.
Create your own team of runners and compete for the most sponsors.