Remember . . . Don't Forget

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to forget things? Like that homework assignment that didn't get written down in your planner or an important someone's birthday. Or maybe it's how many teaspoons equal a tablespoon or what time that meeting was. We're not often reminded to forget something, are we?

On the flip side of things, have you noticed how hard it can be to remember something? Like remembering to do all the homework assignments or the date of someone's birthday. Maybe it's an equation needed to complete the homework assignment or directions to an obscure location. Our brains often slip up on such information. We are often told: "Remember to . . ." Or, "Don't forget to . . ."

Today is Memorial Day. A day to remember those who have died in service to our country. Unless we have lost a family member or friend in battle, it can be easy to forget about such men and women, can't it? That's why Memorial Day was established . . . so that the American people would not forget. So that we would not continue to live our day-to-day lives without giving thought to those who have sacrificed their own lives in service to our country.

The LORD Himself calls us to remember such things as well. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, He gave instruction through Joshua to gather 12 men and 12 stones to establish a memorial:

"Joshua said to them, 'Cross again to the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the sons of Israel. Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.'" (Joshua 4:5-7)

Also, in Isaiah 46, the LORD calls us to "Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me." (46:9)

Sadly, Americans are great at taking a holiday meant to remember and honor others and turn it into a celebration of themselves - or at least something it wasn't intended to be. Memorial Day has become to many the "unofficial start of summer", a reason for a 4-day work week, graduation weekend, a time to grill burgers. When the LORD calls us to remember, I don't think this is exactly what He intended . . . Sure, there is nothing wrong with such activities, but yet again, the focus turns entirely on ourselves.

So what can we do to honor Memorial Day as it was intended? Maybe it's as simple as attending a Memorial Day service at a nearby VFW. Maybe it's investing in the life of someone who has lost a loved one in battle; talking with them, baking for them, spending the day with them. Maybe it can be as simple as spending a significant amount of time today remembering those who have served and thanking the Lord for them. (Did you know that a "National Moment of Remembrance" exists? At 3:00 pm local time, all Americans are asked to stop whatever they are doing and spend some time in silence for those who have died in service.) Honestly, I'm not sure yet what I am going to do today to make this Memorial Day different, more full of remembrance. But whatever it is, and whatever you decide to do as well, I pray that we will remember and not forget.

Passion - Part Three

This is my third and final installment of sharing with you about my time at Passion 2011 in Ft. Worth, Texas. It has been good for me to go back through my notes and be continually challenged by what God accomplished in my life a few months ago. Out of all that I experienced at Passion, hearing the Word of God preached was by far the most impacting aspect. Because of that I’ve saved it for last.

At the Friday night session Louie Giglio spoke on Philippians 1:1-26. I would encourage you to stop and take a moment to read that passage. Here are some of my notes from that session.

Am I a servant of Christ Jesus? Paul and Timothy were, and it was so important to them that they needed no other title. How many other titles do I use to introduce myself before I make use of the one that declares me as a servant/follow of Jesus Christ? Who is Jesus? Do I know, or do I just merely process the work of God with my brain, not letting it impact and transform me? Am I seeing Jesus? Saul saw Jesus, and he was so transformed that he needed his name changed! (see Acts 9)

True freedom in Christ is being able to honestly declare “For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is GAIN.” Paul declared this, and it’s evident that this wasn’t just a vain declaration to make him appear more spiritual, but a heart cry of a life transformed by seeing Christ. Is Christ truly in my living? And for me is death a reward? I fear that often death is something that I view as a ‘have-to’ at the end of this life. Instead of the greatest reward that can be imagined for those of us who have been transformed by seeing Christ.

Saturday morning Francis Chan spoke from Philippians 1:27-28. 

He spoke about how when we read the scripture and see the persecution or things that occur in the lives of believers it makes sense. It matches up. And then when we look around the world at the persecuted church or those thriving because of their relationship with Jesus, it makes sense. It matches up. And so Francis Chan asked us “Is your life worthy of the Gospel?” Does your life make sense in relation to what the Gospel says? Or is it contrary? Do our lives really measure up? Are we really living in light of eternity?

In the evening on Saturday we heard from John Piper. He asked a question that has really stuck with me... “What’s at the bottom of your joy?” Another way this could be said is; What is it that gives you the greatest joy in your life right now? “If you get to the bottom of your joy and that isn’t God, then you are an idolator.” 

So often we simply want/try to fulfill our backward worldly desires in Christ. But that is NOT salvation! The old ‘Bottom’ (of your joy) must be severed by the Holy Spirit and put to death through faith in Christ in His death and resurrection. And in that state we are able to see Christ glorified and His work accomplished in and through us!

Passion was INCREDIBLE! I honestly would recommend it to everyone! God used it to do mighty things in my life!

By Micah Horneman

give selflessly

After Zacchaeus heard Jesus was coming, he ran to see who He was. But, being short, he could not see anything. So Zacchaeus, not giving way to his curiosity, climbed a tree just so He could see Jesus. But Jesus had other plans. He wasn't seeking to gain attention or recognition from the crowd, but He was seeking a heart - Zacchaeus'. After calling to Zacchaeus to take Him to his house for lunch, Zacchaeus' heart was forever changed. Why? Because just as in every other encounter that Jesus had with others, He didn't engage with Zacchaeus to get something from him, but Jesus engaged with Zacchaeus because of what He could give him of God's life.

Jesus is the example of how we are to live our lives. Here we see how Jesus was not focused on Himself, but on others, and because of that He was able to touch others lives with God's love. In our relationships, let us not seek how others can please us, or make us feel better, or even benefit us, but let us strive to open our eyes to what we can give them - God's love.

Many times I have wondered why I have lost a friendship after not living near that person any more. And as I look at this one aspect of relationships, I notice I have failed miserably at being selfless in relationships. It is so easy to want friends because of how I benefit from being with them. We were created for relationships, and God has given us the perfect example of how to build those relationships. Let us look to the One who never focused on Himself, and let us strive to be like Him!

Passion 2011 Part Two

For this second installment of sharing about my experience at Passion 2011 I would like to expound upon the aspect of worship there.




I’ll start by saying that my time worshiping God at Passion was transformational! In the last few months prior to attending Passion, through my own busyness and lack of focus, I had forgotten what worship is all about. That is, exalting and lifting high our King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Most High God! Worship isn’t about the ‘good’ feeling that I receive. It’s about no matter what I feel, declaring that God is worth it all.



At Passion I had abundant opportunity to do exactly that. As I write that, it’s just words on a page, but as I think back to those times of worship at Passion I remember what it felt like to put aside what I felt, thought, wanted, needed, feared, etc. to give every ounce of my strength and existence into the exaltation of my God, the God of the universe! With 10,000+ (yes, ten thousand plus!) people singing around me, with me, unto God for His glory!



Passion 2011 took place in a dome in Fort Worth Texas. It was dark except for the stage lighting and the sound was turned to the point that it felt as though the worship leaders were leading me and no one else. It was personal. But at the same time I could hear the sound of everyone in the dome singing together! This environment enabled me to break free of my thoughts concerning the others around me and gave me the feeling that it was just me and God. I had the freedom to sing, shout, clap, dance, jump, sit, cry, etc. And I couldn’t tell if those around me even took notice. This is what worship should be. Giving adoration to God, without the fear of offending others with style or preference.



It was an incredible experience! As I stated earlier, it was transformational! Since returning from the Passion conference, this feeling of freedom in worship, and the importance of it, has stuck with me. Not to the degree that I am a distraction to others worshiping around me in my local congregation! But, I realize now in a way that I didn’t before that it’s just me and God. It’s to be all about Him, and praising Him for all that He is!



There is an aspect though of worshiping God in song that isn’t just about the individual and our Maker. And it was because of the number of people at Passion that I realized this. As we have opportunity to sing to our Savior in groups with fellow believers, it serves as testimony to one another of His faithfulness. I knew this in theory before, and had even experienced it in small scale prior to Passion. But there in Texas, singing with 10,000+ others about the God of the universe, drove it home in a way that I will never forget! I felt like I caught a glimpse of heaven as we all sang out at the top of our lungs!



And so as you sing in your local churches remember who you’re singing to, why you are singing to Him, and the testimony that it may be to those who join in worship with you!

By Micah Horneman

God's Fun

This morning I am flying to Minneapolis, MN to visit my family for a few days. I am really looking forward to it. Not only because I get to see my family for a while, whom I haven't seen in about five months, but because whenever I travel it seems that God has something fun and exciting in store for me to learn. Let me tell you, it has already started out well.

I made it to the airport on time, which is not really all that special, but considering we left late and missed our exit it seems pretty good to me. I made it through security alright and even got to have a full body scan going through security :) (it really wasn't all that bad). Here is the greatest part though, just after we had taken off I was journaling and praying and felt led to open my Bible. Unsure of what to read I sat there for a little bit praying about it and was led to open up to Psalm 136:7. I had no idea what the verse was about but quickly found it and this is what it says, "The God who filled the skies with light, His love never quits." The cool part about this is that after we had taken off and were just coming above the cloud cover, the sun burst through the window and I was like, "Oh, that's really cool and really bright." Isn't God cool?

God is all about doing stuff like that. I have been highly encouraged by just that little reminder that the God who makes the skies light up is the same God who loves me, and His love never quits. He does this for all of us. He knows each one of us so intimately that He could be doing something like this to remind me of His love and at the very same time be doing something else completely different, to someone completely different; all the way across the world. He's so awesome. I am totally looking forward to seeing what else He has in store for me on this trip.

Psalm 46

Sometimes scary things happen. Like devastating tornadoes. Loved ones being injured in a tragic car accident. Dear friends being wounded in battle. Tonight, I cried because of such things. But I was encouraged by the words of Psalm 46. I pray that whatever frightens you, that you would run to the only One who is strong enough to lift you up.

"God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy dwelling places of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;

God will help her when the morning dawns.

The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;

He raised His voice, the earth melted.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come, behold the works of the LORD,

Who has wrought desolations in the earth.

He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;

He burns chariots with fire.

'Cease striving and know that I am God'

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in all the earth.'

The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold."

Are you Ready?

I'm sure you have seen many comments on what is going to happen tomorrow, May 21 of the year 2011. Some claim that Christ will return, some say they are crazy. Some say no way.

In Matthew 24:36 Jesus says: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (Christ's return referenced earlier in the chapter) This verse says plain and simple that only God the Father knows when Jesus Christ will return. Later in verse 44 Jesus says "for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think he will."

So for those who believe that Jesus will return tomorrow, are they not claiming to be God? are they not claiming to be above Jesus and the Holy Spirit, because God's Word says that even they do not know. And to continue, they are proclaiming that a very important day in time is going to happen contrary to God's Word. God is NEVER contradictory to His Word. Ever.

So, it can be concluded that what people are saying about Christ's Return tomorrow is not true. But, Christ is going to return at some point - it could be in the next 5 min, it could be 10 years from now, we do not know. Therefore, we need to be ready for that moment, and spread the Gospel of Christ so that others may be ready as well. Several times in Matthew 24, Jesus warns us that we MUST be ready.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter also warns us to be ready. In verses 14-18 he says
"Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation...You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall form your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

God shows us several ways here how we can be ready. We must be diligent to be found spotless, blameless, and in peace by God. We have to work at this everyday - it is not an easy thing to do, but it must be done. God also says we must grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. In our relationship with Christ, we must always grow - standing in one place will cause us to fall away eventually. Strive to know Christ - dig into His word every day, commune with Him, pour your heart to Him. Jesus went to the cross for us, what will we do for Him?

Be ready for His return. Anticipate it every day. And in that time, it will be for His glory, not our own.

If one good thing has come out of this "prediction" it is that it causes us to think, "Am I ready?" Let us be ready every moment of every day, for the Glory of His name!

"Bare Your Soul"

I wonder if King David of the Israelites would have given us that advice, the title of my blog, during his time on earth as something that ought to be done often when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? It seems like when you read through the Psalms, of which he wrote many, that he was doing that all of the time. He was always dumping out that which was inside of him, whether it was anger, depression, confusion, repentance, or praise he was always baring his soul before the Lord.

That's one thing that I've found to be helpful too. It really does us absolutely no good to try and put on a smiley face before God when we are depressed or confused, nor does it help to try and be repentant all of the time when really what we need to do is get our praise on for some of the good things that God has done. Let's live lives of honesty and openness before the Lord. I can guarantee that if we do it will be a blessing to us and our relationship with Jesus will grow to be that much more intimate. Just as a couple of friends or a married couple cannot grow to be intimate without open communication so to is it true of us and God. We need to have open communication with Him if we want to get to know Him more. Oftentimes, my big thing is trying to put on a face of "grin and bear it" when things get a little too difficult for me and I need to cry out to God for help. It only does us harm and not good when we do not come to him openly and honestly.

So, I leave you with this question, "When was the last time you bared your soul before the Lord and found the joy and freedom in doing so?"

Building the Temple

Trivia question: What is the only book in the Old Testament with only 2 chapters?

*Jeopardy music plays in background, giving readers time to think*

Nope, sorry sir, Psalms has waaaayyy more than 2 chapters. But if you guessed Haggai - you're a winner! *Hoorays, cheers, claps, etc. comes from the audience.*

This last week, I found myself reading this little, 2-chapter book written by the minor prophet Haggai during the time of the exile in Babylon. I was quite convicted by these words from chapter 1:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'This people says, "The time has not come, even the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt."'" The the word of the LORD came to Haggai the prophet, saying, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in paneled houses while this house lies desolate?" . . . "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple,that I may be pleased with it and be glorified", says the LORD. "You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?" declares the LORD of hosts, "Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house." (Haggai 1:2-4, 7-9)

The LORD no longer dwells in temples made with human hands (Acts 17:24-25). In fact, as believers, we are the temple of the LORD. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? . . . "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in yo, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (3:16, 6:19).

So my question is this: If the LORD was upset with the Israelites because they were seeking their own comfort within their own homes and if believers are the temple of the LORD -- shouldn't we be seeking to build that temple? Shouldn't we be actively sharing our faith with nonbelievers and investing in the lives of other believers, encouraging both to seek the LORD and grow in Him?

I pray that the LORD would make each and every one of us active builders of His temple. May our own love for Him grow, and may we be intentional about sowing seeds into other's lives as well.

He Faithful Will Remain

Lately these words from the hymn "Be Still My Soul" have been running through my head.

"Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain."

"Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below."

Have you ever read through the book of Nehemiah? I know it's not normally one most people flip right open to, but I encourage you to take a look. The book is about the Jews returning to Jerusalem after their exile into the hands of the Babylonians. Chapter 9 is one of my favorite chapters of all Scripture--dealing with the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall and Nehemiah's prayer.

In this prayer, Nehemiah stated much of what God had done for His people from the time of creation to Abraham to Egypt and the wandering in the desert. Throughout this account Nehemiah repeatedly states what God had done, how the Israelites had failed Him, and finally how God had mercy and compassion on them.

"But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them"--Nehemiah 9:17

"You in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell"--9:19-21

Can you image that? God provided everything that they could possibly need during those 40 years, He was faithful. Which reminds me of 2 Timothy 2:13, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful-- for He cannot deny Himself"

So in a season of change for many, God will remain faithful. He will not leave you, nor forsake you. He will provide for your every need (notice, I did not say "want"). He will sustain you. And when you turn from Him and fail Him, He will still show you the forgiveness and mercy He gave to the Israelites so many years ago. He hasn't changed since then, and He won't change in the future.

Leave to your God to order and provide, because in ever change, He will remain faithful.

Passion - Part One

A few months ago I was blessed with winning a free admission to Passion 2011 in Ft. Worth, Texas from this very blog! I was thankful, and excited. But I didn’t have a clue what was in store for me at Passion! A friend asked me on my way back from the airport, “Can you describe it in five words?” I laughed, and said I couldn’t. But here’s what I did tell my friend. “Incredibly awesome beyond all hope!” 

This is my first post of three about my experience at Passion 2011. In this first post I hope to give you at least a vague description as to what it was like, and hint at what God did there... And then of course in my two following posts I’ll go into detail as to how God worked at Passion 2011 in my life.

Passion is an event orchestrated to engage young adults with God and tangible means of showing Him to the world. The focus is on the Word, Worship, Community, and Ministry. 

Each attendee was asked to bring towels and socks for the homeless shelters of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. It was great to drive through downtown Ft. Worth and know who was going to the conference just because they were carrying towels and socks! Beyond that, we had opportunity to give monies toward a project to bring the Bible into a language that has never had it before! As well as many other ‘micro’ projects around the world! It was awe-inspiring to see what 10,000+ college age individuals can do when given an obstacle to overcome!

The conference was broken into three types of settings. The main sessions, community groups, and an area to support various ministries through prayer or finances. 

The main sessions were an incredible time of glorifying God through worship in song and hearing from His Word. There’s much to be said about over 10,000 people joining in corporate worship, but I’m going to save that for another post! It was also great to hear from individuals who clearly spend abundant time in God’s Word sharing with us what God had laid on their hearts.

The main speakers were; Louie Giglio, Francis Chan, and John Piper. Also we were lead in worship by Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall, Christy Nockels, and Kristian Stanfil. What was great about these main sessions is that it was exceedingly clear that the focus was to be entirely on God! And noot on those who were helping to point us to Him through music or message.

Community groups were a time to break up into ‘smaller’ groups in order to more deeply interact with each other. Smaller, meaning that each community group had a couple thousand individuals! And to allow true interaction to actually happen we broke down further into family groups, with about 6 people per group. These family groups were a great time to interact about what God was doing in each of us throughout the weekend! We also took time to pray for each other, and help one another in grappling with what God was doing in each of our lives.

To some it all up: Passion 2011 was AWESOME, and I would strongly encourage anyone to go! God used it as a major catalyst in my life to refocus me towards His plans for me! If you’d like to read more about that, look for my two follow up posts!

Written by Micah Horneman

Hero

"Hope in Christ is a certainty. It is not a wish, maybe, or cross of the fingers. It is an absolute truth." This is the truth I came away with from Easter Sunday's sermon.

Isaiah 53:5 says "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

The purpose of the Cross for us is eternal healing and life everlasting with the One, the Son of God, who forsake it all for each and everyone of us.

Listen to the words in this song Hero by Abandon:

Abandon - Hero
From the album Searchlights
He walked the dirty streets
Famous for nothing
He said “come follow me” and they came
A face like all the rest
But something was different
The Son of God would lead the way
And soon they all would say

(Chorus)
There He goes - a hero
A Savior to the world
Here He stands with scars in His hands
With love He gave His life
so we could be free
The Savior of the world

He spoke with clarity
Walked across the sea
A single word would calm the storm
His touch could heal the sick
but He was called a hypocrite
Laid behind the stone
His death was shortly mourned
He left the curtain torn

(Chorus)
There He goes - a hero
A Savior to the world
Here He stands with scars in His hands
With love He gave His life
so we could be free
The Savior of the world

He chose to take the cross
Shed tears for the lost
The broken and the needy
Forgiving those who were and will be
The angel made it clear
He told them have no fear
He's not here, He's not here

(Chorus)
There He goes - a hero
A Savior to the world
Here He stands with scars in His hands
With love He gave His life
so we could be free
The Savior of the world

The Savior of the world
The Savior of the world

1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

Is your hope in Christ is a certainty?  Is it an absolute truth? Is Christ your Hero?

Quiet Time

So the title of my blog is "Quet Time" and contrary to what this statement conjures of in your mind of your chosen time to be one on one with the Lord I am referring to more of a time when God chooses to be one on one with you. The time where it seems that He is forcing you into a corner and the only thing left that you can do is be quiet with Him. I'm in one of those times right now. I haven't chosen to be, but God has arranged it so I am and I've got to say that at first I was like, "this sucks," but now that I am a few days into it and God has had the time to do some work on me I've got to say that I am enjoying it and glad He has chosen this time right now.

As circumstances are right now I have a lot of time on my hands where I have nothing in particular to do and whenever I try to think of something to do other than spending time with God for most of the day my conscience screams out and I am called back into my "man cave," a.k.a. my bedroom. It is here that I have been spending many hours as of late in the Scriptures, listening to different teaching tapes, meditating, and praying. It has been wonderful. At first I was kind of like, "Is this really what you want me to be doing, God? Shouldn't I be out doing something?" As it happens God has something that He wanted to be doing and it included me. I have found myself to be highly encouraged, convicted, challenged, healed, and closer to God than I figured I would be, and it is awesome.

With that said, I would leave you with this thought. When God wants to spend some time with you, go ahead and take it. If you find yourself given some extra time at some point in life I would encourage you not to just run off and "do something" because maybe God is saying, "Hey, here's some time for you and me, let's spend it together. I've got some stuff to do with you." If you jump on that opportunity it'll be awesome 'cause God doesn't really do anything that's not.

The Waiting Pain

Waiting can be such a pain, can't it?

When you're little, waiting to open those huge and beautifully wrapped Christmas presents is agonizing. When you are in high school, waiting to graduate and move on with your life can be such a bore. When you think you're ready to marry that certain someone, the special day can take an eternity to arrive. When you know a job change is on the horizon, enduring the current job and waiting for the change to occur can seem rather pointless. When you've got a wayward family member, waiting for them to return to the Lord can seem like an impossibility.

Waiting is tough. But throughout Scripture we are admonished to wait on the LORD, to rest in Him, to trust Him. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 37:7 - "Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him . . ." According to my Bible's footnotes, this verse could also read something like this: "Be still in the LORD and feed on His faithfulness . . ."

Feed on His faithfulness. Remember the countless times in days gone by when the LORD has proven Himself beyond faithful to you. Rest in that knowledge that He is indeed faithful and that fact will never, ever change.

"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall, I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me." - Micah 7:7-8

Waiting is painful. So painful that the only place we have to go is to our knees. So painful that we can't even get up. But when we're trusting in and waiting on the LORD, I don't think there is any better place for us to be.

The Choice is Your's

"Make it a great day, or not...the choice is your's"

I was privaledged to go to a public school K-12 where I was challenged in my faith as I had to know why I believed what I believed. High school was kind of a joke for me though. The school work was too easy and I couldn't wait to get out. However, one thing that did stick with me since my freshman year is this little saying up above. Each day right before the final bell would ring, our principal would get on the loud speaker and give announcements, and close with this saying. At the time I didn't really think about it, as my classmates and I would try to guess how long of a pause would be between "great day, or not", but now this saying has a special meaning to me.

How many of you enjoy the mornings? I am not a morning person, at all. In fact, if anyone approaches me before 7:30 I usually respond in grunts. But if you think about it, a lot of our attitude throughout the day stems from our mornings.

I was challenged this past week to wake up with the words of Psalm 188:24, which reads:

"This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it"

Do we do that? Do we rejoice in a day simply because God made it? Are we grateful for the little things in our day that God places there for a reason? If I'm honest, I have to answer no to both of those questions. My attitude much of the time is soley based on my emotions-- how it effects me individually.

So that is my challenge to you this day. The choice really is your's, will you be glad in the day the Lord has given you?

Well, this is my last post for the blog. It's been great writing for you all over the past year plus. I've really enjoyed it, and I've learned a lot - both from authoring my own posts and reading the posts of the other bloggers. All those things in mind, I'd like to leave with a couple of my favorite verses:

Isaiah 40:31: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

This is a small sampling of the many Bible verses I really like, but they are some that I think of on a daily basis. With that, thanks again for reading this past year and for letting me write for you.

God bless,

Matt Haugen

Out of Focus

My first photo assignment for my black and white photography class was line. Armed with two rolls of film and a borrowed slr film camera I hit the Arch Bridge and Loring Park in Minneapolis, MN. These areas of Minneapolis are full of visual interest and I spent hours wandering around capturing both big and small aspects of line. During my photo shoot, in the back of my mind something seemed off. It wasn't a nagging feeling, more of a tingling that came and went, more subconscious thought than anything else.

I developed my film, created my contact sheets, showed them to my teacher, set up my enlarger and went to work making my prints. It was then that little thing that had felt off began to become apparent.

I had forgotten to focus every single picture on both rolls of film.

I lucked out with a few of the photos that happened to be in sort of in focus or had a portion of the image in focus, but not because I intended to. My photos for that assignment were passable. Had I focused them even just a little I would have had some great shots. I learned a lesson for the rest of that class. One thing I never forgot with my other projects was to focus because I knew what a disaster my photographs would be if I didn't.

I recently watch the testimony of Brian "Head" Welch, former guitarist for Korn. He said, "My dream came true. Way more than I dreamt about. I, got, made more money. I played bigger shows. I mean houses, cars... I tried drugs. I tried sex. I tried everything to try to get pleasure out of this life. And I thought that I could fulfill my life with all this stuff. By having my dream come true and it came true, but it didn't fulfill it. When Christ came in, that feeling, He gives you the gift of understanding life. Which is everything was created for Christ, and by Him. We were created to be with him and it's the most incredible feeling because you're where you belong. And contentment is given to you in life, cuz you dont have to look anywhere else and you're exactly where you need to be. The question about life is answered."

When he said "you dont have to look anywhere else" I immediately thought of Hebrews 12. I reference these verses often, probably because I turn to them so frequently. We've used them often on this blog too. In the past 3 years Hebrews 12:1-3 have become life verses for me because I find them so fundamental to faith in Christ.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version, ©2011)

That phrase, fixing our eyes on Jesus always stands out to me. The Message says "Keep your eyes on Jesus" and ESV "looking to Jesus."

The focal point is Focus on Jesus.

William Wilberforce, in his book Real Christianity, spent the better part of a chapter expanding on, "Looking unto Jesus." He says, "We are called to fix our gaze on Jesus, the originator and the One who brings all things to completion, who endured the shame and suffering of the cross for the greater goal of the joy the Father offered (see Heb 12:2). We look beyond the suffering of the cross to the glory Jesus now enjoys, having once again taken His place in the presence of the Father. There in His glory, His concern is ever for our progress in our relationship with Him." (I would recommend reading this book because I pretty much want to quote the whole thing. It's that good.)

In 6th grade when I got glasses for the first time. Before handing me my brand new pair of glasses, the technician asked me to read the sign at the back of the store. A little bemused I asked, "What sign?" Then I put the glasses on and saw the HUGE department sign hanging in the back of the store.

Like my unfocused photographs, a life out of focus is a disaster. When in focus life suddenly has the potential to be amazing. That's the difference a life in focus in Christ makes. Like putting on a pair of glasses things become clear. Properly presented. Rightly represented. We see things we didn't even know were there. We see what we didn't even know we were missing.

Brian's testimony reminds me of that. His life was out of focus and He tried everything to find fulfillment in life. With Christ, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we don't have to look anywhere else.

A Favorite

Here's the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. (click the above title "A Favorite" to see a video of the song)

"Perfect Peace"
Laura Story

Stay close by My side
Keep your eyes on Me
Though this life is hard
I will give you perfect peace

In this time of trial
Pain that no one sees
Trust me when I say
That I will give you perfect peace

And you'll never walk alone
And you'll never be in need
Though I may not calm the storms around you
You can hide in Me

Burdens that you bear
Offer no relief
Let Me bear your load
'Cause I will give you perfect peace

Stay close by My side
And you'll never walk alone
Keep your eyes on Me
And you'll never be in need
Though this life is hard
Know that I will always give you perfect peace
I will give you perfect peace

Woe To Those At Ease

Devastating tornadoes in the South. An entire nation still reeling from a horrific hurricane and it's never-ending effects. Children eating rocks at night in order to trick their bellies into feeling full.

The world's list of problems is by no means short, and by no means does it end there. Everywhere we look, people are crying out for help. Whether we hear them or not, well, that's up to us.

Amidst all this turmoil, a luxurious royal wedding occurred. Wealthy - and not-so-wealthy - citizens from all across the globe spent luxurious days and weeks on cruise ships. Everyday activities still took place: a day at work, an hour at class, hours preparing for finals.

This week, as I read through the book of Amos, I was struck by the thought: Should this be? Although this passage may be prophetic for the Day of the Lord, I believe it has something that we can apply to our lives today. Here's what the LORD says through His servant Amos:

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion . . .

Those who recline on beds of ivory

and sprawl on their couches,

and eat lambs from the flock

and calves from the midst of the stall,

Who improvise to the sound of the harp,

and like David have composed songs for themselves,

Who drink wine from sacrificial bowls

while they anoint themselves with the finest of oils,

Yet they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph." (Amos 6:1, 4-6)

It's easy for disasters to shake us up; to stir us to action . . . at least for awhile. And then, somehow, we fall comfortably back into the routine of our lives. The disasters that don't directly affect us become distant memories and we once again recline on our beds of ivory - our lives of comfort.

But, I don't think this is what the Lord wants us to do. We've been blessed to be a blessing, not blessed to enjoy it all by ourselves. So, brothers and sisters in Jesus: what should we do? How can we be caring for those around us - even those miles away from us? I pray that we will be actively living out our faith in the desperate days we live in.

Look Up

Do you ever feel like life is overwhelming you? I have never felt so overpowered by life as I did this past week. As everything was changing around me, I found myself to be at a loss for control over each situation and in utter confusion each day. However, it is in these moments that God usually sends some words of wisdom to us. Mine were as follows:

"It is a blessed thing when the faithful soul in prayer fixes his uplifted eyes of faith on JESUS ONLY; when he does not look about him to lay hold on his own scattered thoughts, nor behind him at Satan who threatens him with the thought that his prayer is in vain, nor within him at his sloth and lack of devotion; but looks up to JESUS, who sits at the right hand of God and makes intercession for us" (Hammer of God by Bo Giertz)

I want these words to speak for themselves. I hope you all have a blessed week!