The past four months, living in a house with 5 other guys, buying my own groceries, being responsible to only myself, going to a school learning things that I have a passion for, have been the best months ever.
I have enjoyed school immensely, mainly because of the people that have helped grow me in more ways than they know. Jesus has taught me so much about Himself during this past semester. Surprisingly not through class. I dont want this to sound arrogant but I didnt learn that much in class. I did pretty much all of my learning outside of the class. I learned so much about myself. I learned about my selfishness, my pride, the things I idolize, and my fears. My education has been from a loving God who is constantly pointing me towards my need for a savior. I learned so much about ministry and living on mission for the Gospel.
I became very turned off with the idea of theological academia. I feel like I can argue with the best of them, which I was excited for when I got to school but that almost immediately changed. I began to toy with the idea of what it would look like if I could articulate the 5 points of calvinism better than anyone in my school and that was it. What good would that be? How big-bigheaded am i? I then realized my need to do ministry outside of the church (after some repentance). Daily ministry. Knowledge puffs up and I just want to deflate. Through Jesus's grace and the help of some great friends that He has surrounded me with at Moody and Whitworth and still in the Tri-Cities I have been priviledged to be sanctified in ways that I never thought I would be.
This blog is a little scatterbrained but so am I as I reflect on this. Here are the things I want to learn in school and out of school this next semester (not in any order):
1. I want to learn how to serve more effectively and genuinely.
2. I want to learn how to be last.
3. I want to learn how to be a better listener (and not always be the first to talk)
4. I want to learn how to effectively give a Christ-centered sermon.
5. I want to want God more.
6. I want to be humbled by my sin (not really) and depend on Jesus more for His righteousness alone.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Karate Kids and Chocolate Chips
Last night myself and my housemates (Boy) Alex and Pete along with Steph, Hannah, and (Girl) Alex went camping. It was a blast! We swapped funny story after funny story about our first impressions of each other. About how no one can remember steph's name (sorry). About how every girl thought my house was full of nerds. This didnt make sense to me until I realized that when they introduced themselves to us, my house was doing karate together in the living room...
We shared past stories about what God has done in our lives and talked about some of the things we are going through. It was just sweet fellowship.
Today I had plans to read some of John with Jersey at 3. I read Philippians 1 and baked up some cookies and began to head over. On my way over I received a text from a friend who has just been laid up with trial after trial. As I was walking over to Jerseys I was stopped in my tracks. I began to think about the pain my friend has been going through lately, and the pain that I have, and my other friends have as well. I began to think of Philippians and Paul's willingness to suffer. I began to think of Psalm 73 and the psalmist saying "whom have I in heaven but you? On earth there is nothing I desire besides you." For the first time this verse became real to me. I stopped on the side of the street and worshipped.
I told God "I am willing to do whatever you want. If it means for me to suffer greatly so that others might be encouraged and see how beautiful You are...I'm down."
Jesus is beautiful. His cross is real. His grace is sufficient for you and me. If I can encourage you in any way I would tell you that your suffering is so that others can see Jesus in you and through you. Respond accordingly.
We shared past stories about what God has done in our lives and talked about some of the things we are going through. It was just sweet fellowship.
Today I had plans to read some of John with Jersey at 3. I read Philippians 1 and baked up some cookies and began to head over. On my way over I received a text from a friend who has just been laid up with trial after trial. As I was walking over to Jerseys I was stopped in my tracks. I began to think about the pain my friend has been going through lately, and the pain that I have, and my other friends have as well. I began to think of Philippians and Paul's willingness to suffer. I began to think of Psalm 73 and the psalmist saying "whom have I in heaven but you? On earth there is nothing I desire besides you." For the first time this verse became real to me. I stopped on the side of the street and worshipped.
I told God "I am willing to do whatever you want. If it means for me to suffer greatly so that others might be encouraged and see how beautiful You are...I'm down."
Jesus is beautiful. His cross is real. His grace is sufficient for you and me. If I can encourage you in any way I would tell you that your suffering is so that others can see Jesus in you and through you. Respond accordingly.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
I need to remember..
"So I don't want to take the lead
Cuz I'm prone to make mistakes.
All these folks that follow me gon' end up in the wrong place.
So, just let me shadow you. And just let me trace your lines.
Matter fact just take my pen.
Here, you create my rhymes.
Cuz if I do this by myself I'm scared that I'll succeed.
And no longer trust in You, cuz I only trust in me."-Lecrae "Background"
"I enter rooms and hope they notice me
To fill my social insecurities
I'm asking if there's any hope for me
Cuz there is room for only one"-Jimmy Needham "The reason I sing"
"Whom have I in heaven but You? On earth there is nothing I desire besides You" -Psalm 73:25
Cuz I'm prone to make mistakes.
All these folks that follow me gon' end up in the wrong place.
So, just let me shadow you. And just let me trace your lines.
Matter fact just take my pen.
Here, you create my rhymes.
Cuz if I do this by myself I'm scared that I'll succeed.
And no longer trust in You, cuz I only trust in me."-Lecrae "Background"
"I enter rooms and hope they notice me
To fill my social insecurities
I'm asking if there's any hope for me
Cuz there is room for only one"-Jimmy Needham "The reason I sing"
"Whom have I in heaven but You? On earth there is nothing I desire besides You" -Psalm 73:25
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Random. Random Thoughts.
Last Saturday our house went to watch UFC at the Oxford house down the street. Jersey, one of the guys who lives there, invited us because we do not have cable. At one point I had to walk a friend home and came back to Jersey sitting outside by himself smoking. Out of nowhere I said "When you gonna let me show you whats in that book I got you?" (I had given him a bible a few weeks before) He said "This weekend."
One of my best friends told me yesterday that was the coolest thing I have ever said. I would have to agree. Im thoroughly convinced that I did not have very much to do with it (Thanks God, pound it?) but nonetheless it was sweet. It feels weird to do stuff like this, stuff you read about or hear about other people doing and wishing you could do cool stuff like that. You can. God has been working big time on me since I have been here and I am just starting to notice it (because Im an idiot).
Two things that I have been feeling lately are: 1. You are going to do bigger things than you think. 2. You struggle with idolatry alot.
Spurgeon says our hearts are idol making factories. Mine feels like "Nike". Psalm 73 is the chapter I believe the least in the Bible, so Im gonna memorize it and allow Gods Word and prayer transform me.
Lunch with Jersey is on Saturday. Planning on layin down some Gospel. Could use your prayers.
One of my best friends told me yesterday that was the coolest thing I have ever said. I would have to agree. Im thoroughly convinced that I did not have very much to do with it (Thanks God, pound it?) but nonetheless it was sweet. It feels weird to do stuff like this, stuff you read about or hear about other people doing and wishing you could do cool stuff like that. You can. God has been working big time on me since I have been here and I am just starting to notice it (because Im an idiot).
Two things that I have been feeling lately are: 1. You are going to do bigger things than you think. 2. You struggle with idolatry alot.
Spurgeon says our hearts are idol making factories. Mine feels like "Nike". Psalm 73 is the chapter I believe the least in the Bible, so Im gonna memorize it and allow Gods Word and prayer transform me.
Lunch with Jersey is on Saturday. Planning on layin down some Gospel. Could use your prayers.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A Million Miles In A Thousand Years
"A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" by Donald Miller is the best book I have ever read.
It has inspired me to make a story. Or at least ponder what I want my story to look like. Challenged to make moments memorable. How will I do this? I don't know. I could spend time hanging out with the guys from the rehab house. I could share the Gospel with them. I could ask that girl to coffee. I could mentor some middle school students. I could have more deep talks with my roomates. I could take a trip, I dont know where but just take one. Or I could continue to play out the scenarios in my mind of what those would look like along with their outcomes.
I dont know why I am prone to watch these moments pass by. Part of the book was that Satan throws every obstacle in the way to prevent you from making a good story. Fear of man is definitely my greatest opponent in story making. I trick myself into believing that its wisdom and patience. I cant discern when the wisdom and patience end and where the fear and sin begin.
Ive decided that I want to write a book. But first. I must make a story. I must search why my "writer's block" is the way that it is. Then I must write daily. On page and on lives.
It has inspired me to make a story. Or at least ponder what I want my story to look like. Challenged to make moments memorable. How will I do this? I don't know. I could spend time hanging out with the guys from the rehab house. I could share the Gospel with them. I could ask that girl to coffee. I could mentor some middle school students. I could have more deep talks with my roomates. I could take a trip, I dont know where but just take one. Or I could continue to play out the scenarios in my mind of what those would look like along with their outcomes.
I dont know why I am prone to watch these moments pass by. Part of the book was that Satan throws every obstacle in the way to prevent you from making a good story. Fear of man is definitely my greatest opponent in story making. I trick myself into believing that its wisdom and patience. I cant discern when the wisdom and patience end and where the fear and sin begin.
Ive decided that I want to write a book. But first. I must make a story. I must search why my "writer's block" is the way that it is. Then I must write daily. On page and on lives.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Take Off Your Shoes, Stay A While
My weekend was AWESOME! Saturday I was picked up by my Aunt Kaytie and was taken to her Aunt Peggy's house to answer questions about Jesus and the Bible. I was there for 4 hours! It was wonderful! Some of the questions they asked me were:
-Who made God?
-When God says "let us make man in our image" who else is He talking to?
-How good do I need to be to get to heaven?
-How will God judge my sin?
-What makes other people's prayers more important than mine?
and there were many more. It was a great time, I told them to read Romans and let me know if they ever have anymore questions. Aunt Kaytie contacted me again today because she has a lot more questions, so we are hanging again this Saturday.
After getting back I went to Whitworth with my friend Megan to find sources for our Old Testament paper. Then the fun began. A bunch of us Moody students and Jeremy, Hol, and Lauren got dressed up and went salsa dancing downtown. It was a lot of fun! Afterwards I went to the satellite diner with Jer, Hol, and Lauren. We talked life and church and ministry, great stuff. Met back up with my Moody friends at the bowling alley and bowled until 1 am. Im still no good at it! (the picture above is of us at the bowling alley)
Today I woke up and went to Faith Bible Church. It was a great experience and had really solid teaching and worship. After coming home and eating dinner we went and did cookies again today. I met a 45 year old man named Mike who lives in the sobriety house who invited us in and told us about his faith. He explained to us that he has always seen options in his life of following God or following his desires (playing basketball, smoking weed, having sex) and he always chose his desires. Now he would like to do the opposite. I hope God shows me how I can assist him.
2 things Mike said to me that stuck out.
1. Whatever you want to be, be it today.
2. There are 3 types of people in the world.
a) People in Egypt
b) People in the wilderness
c) People in the Promise Land
Which one are you?
My advice to you, If you are "c", realize where you are at, take off your shoes, and stay a while.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Crushing Weight
School went by really fast today which was great. Thursdays I just have Lifetime Fitness and Intro to Ministry and I'm done by 1030. It's great! Every week for Intro to Ministry we have a speaker from a local church come to talk about their church, their vision, and the service opportunities of their church.
Today while listening to the speaker I was struck with something. I could do the ministry that they were offering. The next speaker, the same thing. Its been like this every week. I came to realize that, by the grace of God, I am blessed with many talents for ministry. I began to wonder why God would give me this. Obviously, for His glory. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I will be held responsible for all of this. I am terrified.
Something to meditate on, am I using ALL of the tools God has given me for His glory?
Crap.
Today has been sweet. Going to work soon. I received an email from my Aunt with questions about Jesus so we are hanging on Saturday. God is just laying so much grace on me. Im stoked to see how that goes and I'm pumped for Saturday period. It looks very promising!
Today while listening to the speaker I was struck with something. I could do the ministry that they were offering. The next speaker, the same thing. Its been like this every week. I came to realize that, by the grace of God, I am blessed with many talents for ministry. I began to wonder why God would give me this. Obviously, for His glory. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I will be held responsible for all of this. I am terrified.
Something to meditate on, am I using ALL of the tools God has given me for His glory?
Crap.
Today has been sweet. Going to work soon. I received an email from my Aunt with questions about Jesus so we are hanging on Saturday. God is just laying so much grace on me. Im stoked to see how that goes and I'm pumped for Saturday period. It looks very promising!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Change of Pace
I haven't posted in quite a while. I figured I would change the pace of this blog as more of a "here's what has been going on lately in my life" kind of thing. I will post any deep thoughts and things God has been teaching me lately as well.
Where to start? Last weekend was great! I went to Riverview Bible Camp for the Moody Retreat. It was a great time to get to know people and hear how God has brought them to the northwest and what they feel like they are called to do with their life. I got the opportunity to share my testimony with a few people, which is always sweet because it reminds me of where God has brought me.
Pastor Matt Jensen (U District Pastor of Mars Hill Church) was the speaker at the retreat. He spoke about worship and living missionally and it was very convicting. During his worship talk I just felt convicted about my pessimism when it comes to looking at why other people are here at bible college and was just hit with a saying "It's Not About Me." This is something I need to keep remembering.
During the missional talk God told me "I have a special call for you" "You will be a church planter" and "Do cookies at two certain houses." I went up to thank Pastor Matt after his talk and told him what God said to me. He invited me to come to the Acts 29 bootcamp in Seattle in two weeks and he would take care of it. WHAT?! I am so blessed! I feel like the bat boy who just got asked to play in the world series! So humbling!
My housemates + Hannah went and did cookies to the two houses on sunday (baked cookies and took them to people's homes). Next door are three girls named Nevaeh, Nikell, and Unique. We also went to the other house down the street, which turned out to be a sober living house. 7 ex drug addicts or felons, living in a house to get their lives straight. We stayed and talked to Jersey (one of the guys) for two hours. God is moving in Spokane. I am pumped.
Where to start? Last weekend was great! I went to Riverview Bible Camp for the Moody Retreat. It was a great time to get to know people and hear how God has brought them to the northwest and what they feel like they are called to do with their life. I got the opportunity to share my testimony with a few people, which is always sweet because it reminds me of where God has brought me.
Pastor Matt Jensen (U District Pastor of Mars Hill Church) was the speaker at the retreat. He spoke about worship and living missionally and it was very convicting. During his worship talk I just felt convicted about my pessimism when it comes to looking at why other people are here at bible college and was just hit with a saying "It's Not About Me." This is something I need to keep remembering.
During the missional talk God told me "I have a special call for you" "You will be a church planter" and "Do cookies at two certain houses." I went up to thank Pastor Matt after his talk and told him what God said to me. He invited me to come to the Acts 29 bootcamp in Seattle in two weeks and he would take care of it. WHAT?! I am so blessed! I feel like the bat boy who just got asked to play in the world series! So humbling!
My housemates + Hannah went and did cookies to the two houses on sunday (baked cookies and took them to people's homes). Next door are three girls named Nevaeh, Nikell, and Unique. We also went to the other house down the street, which turned out to be a sober living house. 7 ex drug addicts or felons, living in a house to get their lives straight. We stayed and talked to Jersey (one of the guys) for two hours. God is moving in Spokane. I am pumped.
Monday, August 23, 2010
"Not deciding is deciding"
10So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:10)
This is something my heart needs constant reminder of. My good deeds are me following instructions, not me going out of my way to do something above and beyond my call. My call is a mandate to go above and beyond the world's call, always.
1And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
7And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:7-8)
I feel like God is constantly pointing this out to me. He wants to give me things! I dont ask. I dont pray near as much as I should. I hope that this school year God will continually press on my heart this facet of our relationship that is definitely the weakest.
29And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,30who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."
(Luke 18:29-30)
One of the most comforting verses I've read in a while. Moving out and gaining so much responsibility has been super tough and its just going to get harder in the coming weeks. This points to the greater purpose of why I am going through these things and where its going to lead me.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for speaking to me. Thank you for your love and grace. I love you so much. I am so unworthy. You are holy. Please continually remind my heart of the truths that you have been continually teaching my heart lately. Plase draw me into a greater prayer life with you. Please be with this week and sllow me to find some new friends and provide a new excitement about learning more about you. Please be with my family. Please protect me from the enemy. Please provide me with a church that You have me serving in. I love you.
Corey
This is something my heart needs constant reminder of. My good deeds are me following instructions, not me going out of my way to do something above and beyond my call. My call is a mandate to go above and beyond the world's call, always.
1And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
7And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:7-8)
I feel like God is constantly pointing this out to me. He wants to give me things! I dont ask. I dont pray near as much as I should. I hope that this school year God will continually press on my heart this facet of our relationship that is definitely the weakest.
29And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,30who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."
(Luke 18:29-30)
One of the most comforting verses I've read in a while. Moving out and gaining so much responsibility has been super tough and its just going to get harder in the coming weeks. This points to the greater purpose of why I am going through these things and where its going to lead me.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for speaking to me. Thank you for your love and grace. I love you so much. I am so unworthy. You are holy. Please continually remind my heart of the truths that you have been continually teaching my heart lately. Plase draw me into a greater prayer life with you. Please be with this week and sllow me to find some new friends and provide a new excitement about learning more about you. Please be with my family. Please protect me from the enemy. Please provide me with a church that You have me serving in. I love you.
Corey
Ask Away
2 And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2)
13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)
I do not receive because I do not ask. I need to pray more. Not because of the things I want primarily, but to thank Him for the things He has given me.
Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for not talking to you. Please draw me into a powerful prayer life. I love you.
Corey
13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)
I do not receive because I do not ask. I need to pray more. Not because of the things I want primarily, but to thank Him for the things He has given me.
Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for not talking to you. Please draw me into a powerful prayer life. I love you.
Corey
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Doubt, Pursuit of Holiness, and Fear of Men
25He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"(Luke 8:25)
This is why I should fear God. He is over creation, therefore creation has to obey Him. Another thing about this is that I feel like this happens all of the time in my spiritual life. Things will look super hard and God will calm the seas and ask me where my faith is at.
44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.(Luke 8:44)
Like the crowds pressing in on Jesus many experience Jesus in their lifetime, but it takes someone reaching out intentionally for Jesus for life change to happen. People dont stumble into healing and redemption.
26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.(Luke 9:26)
I suck. I am ashamed to do evangelism out of fear of men and what they will think of me. I need this to be changed.
Dear Lord,
I am so sorry.I am so unworthy of You. Please help me share my faith. Please help me not be afraid to share you and please dont be ashamed of me. I love you. Im sorry.
Corey
This is why I should fear God. He is over creation, therefore creation has to obey Him. Another thing about this is that I feel like this happens all of the time in my spiritual life. Things will look super hard and God will calm the seas and ask me where my faith is at.
44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.(Luke 8:44)
Like the crowds pressing in on Jesus many experience Jesus in their lifetime, but it takes someone reaching out intentionally for Jesus for life change to happen. People dont stumble into healing and redemption.
26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.(Luke 9:26)
I suck. I am ashamed to do evangelism out of fear of men and what they will think of me. I need this to be changed.
Dear Lord,
I am so sorry.I am so unworthy of You. Please help me share my faith. Please help me not be afraid to share you and please dont be ashamed of me. I love you. Im sorry.
Corey
August 4th Wyldfyre Message
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let them know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”(James 5:19-20)
I was recently told by a friend that this verse reminded them of me. That is such a great thing to hear! It is such a privilege to be a part of God’s work in that person’s life. It’s things like this, I am told that allow me to be a great leader and have many people look up to me. I get told often that I am a godly guy just because people want to encourage me. I feel like many people want that title “godly guy” or “godly girl”.
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.” (James 5:17).
Elijah was like us. Elijah doesn’t have a leg up on anyone. If people wanted to be like me they could be. I was addicted to pornography for over half of my ministry at South Hills Church. I ignored texts from everyone at one point or another. I ignored people that were crying because it was an inconvenience. I have rebuked many but not in love, but in pride. I missed ministry meetings because I just don’t like meetings. I am so selfish. People admire me for the things I want in life which are: to find a wife, plant churches for Christ internationally, see many people come to know Christ. I was so happy with those things until about a month ago when God leveled me. All of these things I want but I DON’T WANT GOD. I want THIS and THIS but NOT YOU GOD! I want Your things! You stay out of this! Who says that?
I do.
You can be like me but I am begging you not to be. The reason why Elijah was Elijah was because he just wanted God. I’m begging you to not put your hope in me or the person that I have become because it will fail you.
I have failed you.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
I am so sorry. I have apologized to God for my apathy towards you. I know there were moments when I may have said something godly or encouraged you in some way or prayed for you or gave you wise counsel but that was not me. My mouth is an open grave. I’m sorry for allowing my sinfulness to get in the way of loving you and God. Thank you for showing me how much I need a savior.
I was recently told by a friend that this verse reminded them of me. That is such a great thing to hear! It is such a privilege to be a part of God’s work in that person’s life. It’s things like this, I am told that allow me to be a great leader and have many people look up to me. I get told often that I am a godly guy just because people want to encourage me. I feel like many people want that title “godly guy” or “godly girl”.
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.” (James 5:17).
Elijah was like us. Elijah doesn’t have a leg up on anyone. If people wanted to be like me they could be. I was addicted to pornography for over half of my ministry at South Hills Church. I ignored texts from everyone at one point or another. I ignored people that were crying because it was an inconvenience. I have rebuked many but not in love, but in pride. I missed ministry meetings because I just don’t like meetings. I am so selfish. People admire me for the things I want in life which are: to find a wife, plant churches for Christ internationally, see many people come to know Christ. I was so happy with those things until about a month ago when God leveled me. All of these things I want but I DON’T WANT GOD. I want THIS and THIS but NOT YOU GOD! I want Your things! You stay out of this! Who says that?
I do.
You can be like me but I am begging you not to be. The reason why Elijah was Elijah was because he just wanted God. I’m begging you to not put your hope in me or the person that I have become because it will fail you.
I have failed you.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
I am so sorry. I have apologized to God for my apathy towards you. I know there were moments when I may have said something godly or encouraged you in some way or prayed for you or gave you wise counsel but that was not me. My mouth is an open grave. I’m sorry for allowing my sinfulness to get in the way of loving you and God. Thank you for showing me how much I need a savior.
I Am The Second Man Now
18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." (Luke 8:18)
The wisdom that I have is directly related to my willingness to listen to Jesus regardless of my opinion. If I search to hear God commend my opinions I will find myself without wisdom, knowledge and love.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your willingness to speak into my life regardless of how much I may run. Please work in my heart to search out Your will and not mine. Your will be done and not mine. Please be with this new season in my life. I want You God. Show me Your heart, love, and grace. Make me fear You so that I might love You more. I love you.
Corey
The wisdom that I have is directly related to my willingness to listen to Jesus regardless of my opinion. If I search to hear God commend my opinions I will find myself without wisdom, knowledge and love.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your willingness to speak into my life regardless of how much I may run. Please work in my heart to search out Your will and not mine. Your will be done and not mine. Please be with this new season in my life. I want You God. Show me Your heart, love, and grace. Make me fear You so that I might love You more. I love you.
Corey
Friday, August 13, 2010
Forgiven and Loved
47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."(Luke 7:47)
This is so convicting to me. How much do I love? The answer to this is directly related to the amount of forgiveness I fell I need and have received. If I continually realized the weight of my sins and the quantity of them, I would love out of appreciation of that forgiveness.
Dear Lord, Thank you for your forgiveness. Please show me the weight of my sin, specifically my pride and self righteousness which I overlook just to appear that I have it all together. I don't. Your grace is unbelievable. I love you.
Corey
This is so convicting to me. How much do I love? The answer to this is directly related to the amount of forgiveness I fell I need and have received. If I continually realized the weight of my sins and the quantity of them, I would love out of appreciation of that forgiveness.
Dear Lord, Thank you for your forgiveness. Please show me the weight of my sin, specifically my pride and self righteousness which I overlook just to appear that I have it all together. I don't. Your grace is unbelievable. I love you.
Corey
Fear? Not Backflips?
16Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"(Luke 7:16)
Jesus brings back a guy from the dead and the first thing that happens is that fear seizes them. What? Not backflips? Fear seized them because Jesus power is scary. When they were afraid they glorified God. Is fear of God first in my life, then the peace of the sovereignty of God, which will lead the ministry?
Dear Lord,
Please show me your power and make me fear You for Your glory. I love you.
Corey
Jesus brings back a guy from the dead and the first thing that happens is that fear seizes them. What? Not backflips? Fear seized them because Jesus power is scary. When they were afraid they glorified God. Is fear of God first in my life, then the peace of the sovereignty of God, which will lead the ministry?
Dear Lord,
Please show me your power and make me fear You for Your glory. I love you.
Corey
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Centurion's View of Himself
2Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue." 6And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord,do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. (Luke 7:2-7)
All of the people who went out for the centurion stated that the centurion was "worthy" to have Jesus do this for him. Jesus agrees to go to the centurion. The centurion sends out his friends and tells them to say that he is "not worthy" to even have Jesus in his house, in his presence. Then Jesus showcases His power. After the centurion confesses his status of unworthy.
The amount of power and healing that will take place in my life is directly related to how unworthy I see myself of being in the presence of God.
The more and more I experience this the more and more I experience His grace and love and mercy.
No matter how worthy others think you are, your view of God's grace, love, mercy, and magnitude is directly related to YOUR view of yourself.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your grace and love and mercy. I am eternally unworthy. You are eternally giving and loving. Thank you so much. I love you.
Corey
All of the people who went out for the centurion stated that the centurion was "worthy" to have Jesus do this for him. Jesus agrees to go to the centurion. The centurion sends out his friends and tells them to say that he is "not worthy" to even have Jesus in his house, in his presence. Then Jesus showcases His power. After the centurion confesses his status of unworthy.
The amount of power and healing that will take place in my life is directly related to how unworthy I see myself of being in the presence of God.
The more and more I experience this the more and more I experience His grace and love and mercy.
No matter how worthy others think you are, your view of God's grace, love, mercy, and magnitude is directly related to YOUR view of yourself.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your grace and love and mercy. I am eternally unworthy. You are eternally giving and loving. Thank you so much. I love you.
Corey
Monday, August 9, 2010
Discipleship
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher."(Luke 6:40)
If I am to be like my teacher when I am fully trained, who am I supposed to be like? Who is intentionally and directly training me in godliness right now? Who am I training? No one? And No one? I need to find a godly guy to learn from and have him pour into me while in Spokane. I need to fulfill that sentence for someone else as well.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your guidance. Please provide for me a godly man that is rooted in you that I can learn from and grow more into Your fullness and You can continue to lead me to paths of righteousness for Your namesake through him and other means. I love you.
Corey
If I am to be like my teacher when I am fully trained, who am I supposed to be like? Who is intentionally and directly training me in godliness right now? Who am I training? No one? And No one? I need to find a godly guy to learn from and have him pour into me while in Spokane. I need to fulfill that sentence for someone else as well.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your guidance. Please provide for me a godly man that is rooted in you that I can learn from and grow more into Your fullness and You can continue to lead me to paths of righteousness for Your namesake through him and other means. I love you.
Corey
Simeons Prayer
"Lord , now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)
This guy, Simeon, was told by God that he would see the Messiah before he died, what a lucky guy! His response when he sees Jesus? "Lord now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation." The second he sees Jesus, Simeon knows who He is. He sees Jesus and knows that the child that he is looking at is, himself, salvation. How beautiful Jesus is! He found peace after seeing God's word fulfilled. He was not okay until God showed up. What has God told you that you can't find peace until you see it complete?
Dear Lord,
Please comfort me in Your Spirit but put a restlessness in my heart for your will and seeing it be done. I love you.
Corey
This guy, Simeon, was told by God that he would see the Messiah before he died, what a lucky guy! His response when he sees Jesus? "Lord now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation." The second he sees Jesus, Simeon knows who He is. He sees Jesus and knows that the child that he is looking at is, himself, salvation. How beautiful Jesus is! He found peace after seeing God's word fulfilled. He was not okay until God showed up. What has God told you that you can't find peace until you see it complete?
Dear Lord,
Please comfort me in Your Spirit but put a restlessness in my heart for your will and seeing it be done. I love you.
Corey
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