Does change have to make sense now?

Isn’t it funny how quickly things can change, and how sometimes even when it doesn’t make sense we come to the point of knowing that whatever this decision is, it’s the Lord telling us, “Trust me, this will be for the best!” It doesn’t matter whether it is a huge decision, like moving or something with work, something as little as a fleeting thought, God wants us to live the life HE has prepared for us. I have heard, and not coincidently a lot recently, that we should stop making our plan fit God’s plan for our lives but live as Christ did and make God’s plan for our life our plan! And don’t think that I’m not speaking to myself in this either. It hit me last night in a bible study that one thing that God asks, no requires and calls us to do is to give control of our lives to Him. Does that mean stop living, of course not, but it does mean looking to Him for all that we need.

“I heard a pastor say once “God never misses.”

Wow did that ever hit home. How often did I, and do I find myself still doing sometimes, question God on why something was/is going on? A lot, and I would go out on a limb and say I’m not the only one. Who am I to think that I know what is best for me and my life, and more importantly, the people around me. Too often we are caught up in the, well its all about me and it only effects me, mentality. But it is quite the contrary, all too often it is our own actions that directly affect other people. There are plenty of examples of it in the bible to back it up as well. For example, look at the book of Joshua, specifically the battle at Ai. They we told by God to not take anything from the camp, but one guy did and because of it, they lost their next battle, lost men in the battle, and he and his family were killed for it. All because of the disobedience that he showed to the commands of God. We all have unfortunately done this though in some way, shape, of form; not completely listening to ALL of that God is telling us to do, because we think we know what is best for us.
One thing I have come to find in my own life, when I think that I knew better than God, is it was some of the dumbest decisions I’ve ever made. Looking back at those times, everything is always clearer in hind-sight, even when I thought I was looking for the long term, it was still a very short term. God reminds us of this in James 4:14: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

That really grabs your attention doesn’t it? I know it did for me. Even when we are thinking we are looking way ahead, it is still such a small amount of time. We all have times that were not sure why they are happening, or why we are lead to do a certain thing. Sometimes we can see the results immediately while other times it may be years until we see the fruition of our obedience come to the light. I know one thing that has always been an encouragement to me in Romans 5:3-5 “3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” And I know that all verses speak differently to all people, but let’s be real, who doesn’t go through suffering in their life? No one, and it is so comforting to those who know the Lord that even in our suffering He is using it to help mold us into the person we have been called to be since before the beginning of time.

So I encourage you that next time you are making a decision, big or small, look to the Lord. He even tells us in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God is not a distant God, but rather a personal God who wants to help you. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to know the outcome of a situation? Then why not trust the One who not know only knows you inside and out, He made you, and He knows what lays ahead of you for the rest of your life. Trust Him, Trust Christ.

-God Bless,
Anthony

What do you want?

What is that one thing that you have always wanted to experience? Are you someone who has always wanted to take that game winning shot, have everyone watching you in your moment of glory? Have you been the one who has always wanted to do something big, like save peoples lives, or make a big impact in a region or country that needs help? Or are you someone who wants to strive for the best life and try and make the best of every opportunity that the Good Lord had put in your way during your life? The cool part about it is all of those are great things, fun things, events that we will look back on and say, "wow, that was an awesome time!" God has amazing plans for all of us, those "ear mark" days of our lives that we will never forget. Another amazing part about God is he gives us desires, that if we follow him he will give us more than we could have even imagined, even he told us! How sweet is that, even if he told us what he has planned for us, we wouldn't be able to believe him because it is so amazing!

This post is going to be a little different from my others, as im going from more of a personal/vulnerable stand point. Over my whole life time, I have been so pumped to be a dad, to be a husband, to be someone whom God has put me in the role of a head of household, my own household, my own family. If you know me at all, you know how much family, friends, and loved-ones mean to me. To have my own family is something that excites me so much! At the same time it worries me too: Am I ready (when that time comes)? Am I going to be a good dad? Am I going to be able to lead my family in the ways God has panned for me?

I guess its something that I will have to wait and see, but in the mean time i know i need to humble myself before the Lord, and learn how to be the man i need to be when that time comes. Ive been through a lot throughout my life, self-imposed and ridicule/crap from the outside as well (as im sure you have too), but the last thing i want to do it to not be able to lead my family, especially my children and have them go through the same things I have in my life. Its not that I dont wish that I could take some of it back, but if i did i dont know if i would have ended up where I am today? If those tough times i had in my early teen years, would I have ended up in the place, mind-set, and level of my walk with God that i am today? I am not sure, but i can tell you for sure I wouldnt want to find out!

All I can say though is I cant wait for the day I can cheer my kids on in whatever they do. I cant wait for the day that I can tuck them into bed, and pray with them. I cant wait to see them grow up and experience life, knowing they have a mom and dad that will always love them. But most importantly, I cant wait to see what the Lord has, not only in store for me, but for you lives and how they will impact their generation!

Take you spotlight moment and run with it (which is sweet)! Take confidence in your goal to help people in need, and dont let anyone stand in your way (thats also really freaking sweet)! For me, im going to look forward and prepare myself my the family God has in-store for me!

God Bless,

Anthony

Life is so fragile

Proverbs 31:8 - "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,..."


Let these be words that you carry with for the rest of your life. We have an amazing gift of eternal life with our heavenly Father and our Savior! We as the children of God, the chosen ones need to humble ourselves daily to the call that God has placed on our lives, so that we can help those with no voice. Whether that means for those whom are oppressed in foreign countries, or people who feel trapped within their own families. For those who are sick and feel like there is no hope, let Gods light shine through us, so they can see the ultimate hope in Christ!

(I will say from here on out I am not sure where this is going to go, so if you get confused, its ok to stop reading, lol)

It is so easy to get wrapped up in things of this world; be it work, school, people, material possessions, fill in the blank. I have been reminded these past 14 months about how easy it is to get caught up, not only in this world but especially in the negatives of this world. I do it all the time, and its human nature to get caught up. But think about the long run; family, friends, job..... but what happens when things change, what happens when the plan that God has for you doesn't follow the plan you had for yourself? What road are turning down, yours or his?

I heard in a sermon once, and ive made sure to never forget it, that we need to stop trying to make our plans fit Gods plan for our lives, and start living our life according to God's plan for us! If you know me at all you know my drive to help Livestrong and their fight to end cancer, or at least help those who are effected by it. I currently have 2 family friends who are battling their way through cancer, and it sucks. Its really motivated me to not be silent anymore and to speak for those who have no voice, or have no drive for their voice to be heard.

I want to tell people, whether they are in perfect health or have a few days left, or young or old, that there is nothing to fear. No matter how lonely, discouraged, sick, or lost you/they may be the best thing to remember is that if you know Christ you are never alone. In fact you have the best friend you could ever ask for. One that will never leave you, never forget you, and one that truly is always with you!

So I encourage to help those whom are in your life: family, friends, believers, non-believers and everyone inbetween.

God Bless,

Anthony