Blog assignment of the week, what brings you joy?
Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and (A)faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'
My life has changed drastically over the years. These days there are a hand full of things that bring me joy. First and foremost, knowing that the Creator of this universe looks past all my junk and loves me. Secondly, my family, I absolutely adore each member of my family. I can't tell you how many times I have been told that having a child of my own blood would be different. Honestly that is the farthest from the truth. I love and adore Lexi just as much as love and adore Sadie. I am so honored to have both of them as my daughter. My wife has become so selfless as she tirelessly takes care of Sadie, she is such an incredible Mom to both Lex and Sadie. I enjoy seeing people "get the reality that once they accept salvation," they are called to make a positive influence among humanity. I love seeing others become more successful than I ever could. It brings me joy to see the less likely become empowered and confident. It brings me joy to see people's dreams become reality. It brings me joy, to pause and enjoy the most simplistic blessings that surround us daily.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Updated pic of Miss Sadie J
Hey guys this was taken yesterday, my sweet wife knew i was having a hard time away from the baby so she sent me this pic. I thought I would share it with you since many haven't seen her since her initial pictures.Bro Keep, Football is here
Today I made it back from San Antonio, needless to say football is back in full swing. I took these pictures prior to the game. The first one was in the locker room before the game, it is amazing to watch the legacy continue of Bro Keep. Also the picture below is 3 different Sims on the team. How cool it must be for Ronnell to play with his brother and 1st cousin. 
21/21 chapter 6
In John chapter 6 we notice that Jesus was attracting a lot of people as a result of him performing the various miracles. Some of them were truly passionate about Christ, others not so much but they were still in attendance. One of the things that grabs me about Jesus is he didn’t just pick people that had all the talent, he reached people from all walks of life, all cultures, all statuses, and all ages. As we continue to read in chapter 6 we see once again Jesus allowing someone to be apart of this miracle demonstration. He uses a little boy’s lunch to demonstrate an incredible miracle. What’s interesting about the young boy is he could have responded in 3 different ways. The first way he could of responded is by saying “you know Jesus, I traveled a long way to hear you, and my mom packed this lunch for me, I’m going to eat it all.” The second way he could have responded is, “Jesus I don’t mind sharing with you, but let me eat first and I will give you my left overs.” Don’t we do that as Christians at times? Jesus I want to serve you, but let me do my thing first? OUCH! Lastly the young boy could of responded in the manner he did which is to say, “Jesus I will give you all my lunch.” I love the reality that Jesus met the peoples’ physical needs he displayed an enormous amount of compassion for the people’s needs. When is the last time you met someone’s physical need?
Live to Love.
C
Live to Love.
C
21/21 chapter 5
In John chapter 5 we hear about a crazy story about a man who had been lame for 38 years. Jesus asks him an interesting question, “Do YOU want to become well?” Why in the world would Jesus ask that question, have you ever thought that just maybe not every person that is ill wants to be healed? I have tragically seen in way to often in ministry, you offer to assist people in the rehab process, but unfortunately they refuse to accept aid. The man answers basically yes, I want to but not sure how that is going to happen because no one will help me into the pool. What’s interesting is in this instance, Jesus is the one that makes the first move, Jesus is the one who ignited the conversation. Many times we find Jesus quickly being inidated with people approaching wanting something from him, but in this moment Jesus made the first move.
As we journey on down in chapter 5, Jesus begins to be persecuted by the Jews because of healing on the Sabbath and they began to taste the desire to want to kill him. Then Jesus begins to explain his relationship to the Father. Then Jesus makes an incredible proclamation “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life.” I mean let’s be honest, Jesus as a result of making this proclamation was either a lunatic or the Messiah. Which is a question all of us have to ask ourselves, “Is Jesus some crazy, insane man, or is he our beautiful Lord and Savior?
As we journey on down in chapter 5, Jesus begins to be persecuted by the Jews because of healing on the Sabbath and they began to taste the desire to want to kill him. Then Jesus begins to explain his relationship to the Father. Then Jesus makes an incredible proclamation “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life.” I mean let’s be honest, Jesus as a result of making this proclamation was either a lunatic or the Messiah. Which is a question all of us have to ask ourselves, “Is Jesus some crazy, insane man, or is he our beautiful Lord and Savior?
21/21 chapter 4
Being involved in ministry for 13 plus years I have come to the realization that most Christians desire to share the gospel of Christ with humanity, yet many feel insufficient in their abilities to actually do it. In diving in chapter 4 of John we quickly observe a great deal of insight about evangelism. One of the first things we can observe is that to evangelize we have to have contact with people! Wow that seems like a no brainer, but it is without a doubt true. Many Jews, because of their great dislike for Samaritans, avoided Samaria. Jesus and His disciples chose to pass through Samaria.
Secondly we have to find a common ground with those we encounter. Look at Jesus words in verse 7-8 “When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The woman was there to draw water, Jesus was thirsty, and boom his first words evolved around their same interest. Similar interests can range from family, occupation, experiences and anything else you can determine. Another thing we can learn from Jesus conversation is not to over do it. In Jesus discussion with the woman in verse 15-18 she wanted living water, but I am not certain she understood. Jesus slowed her down and provided a much needed explanation. She needed first and foremost faith In Jesus, secondly she needed evidence that he was the savior, and she needed to realize her need for a Savior, (which was exposed when Jesus tells her to get her husband.)
Lastly, what I drew from this passage is Jesus could have continued to zero in on the fact she was an adulteress, but he didn’t. He came to save the world not just condemn it. Although one day he will be our Great Judge. When we attempt to reach people, we must realize our first purpose to share the love of Christ with those we encounter. Secondly we should share the forgiveness God extends to all of humanity. If we are not careful we can quickly overlook the fact that as a result of Jesus dialogue with the Samaritan woman a great deal of people were converted in the city of Sychar. (John 4:39-42)
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.And because of his words many more became believers.They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Had any dialogue with humanity lately about Christ?
Live to Love.
C
Secondly we have to find a common ground with those we encounter. Look at Jesus words in verse 7-8 “When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The woman was there to draw water, Jesus was thirsty, and boom his first words evolved around their same interest. Similar interests can range from family, occupation, experiences and anything else you can determine. Another thing we can learn from Jesus conversation is not to over do it. In Jesus discussion with the woman in verse 15-18 she wanted living water, but I am not certain she understood. Jesus slowed her down and provided a much needed explanation. She needed first and foremost faith In Jesus, secondly she needed evidence that he was the savior, and she needed to realize her need for a Savior, (which was exposed when Jesus tells her to get her husband.)
Lastly, what I drew from this passage is Jesus could have continued to zero in on the fact she was an adulteress, but he didn’t. He came to save the world not just condemn it. Although one day he will be our Great Judge. When we attempt to reach people, we must realize our first purpose to share the love of Christ with those we encounter. Secondly we should share the forgiveness God extends to all of humanity. If we are not careful we can quickly overlook the fact that as a result of Jesus dialogue with the Samaritan woman a great deal of people were converted in the city of Sychar. (John 4:39-42)
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.And because of his words many more became believers.They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Had any dialogue with humanity lately about Christ?
Live to Love.
C
21/21 Chapter 3
John 3:3 “In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Probably one of the most common phrases in the Bible is “born again.” What in the world does it mean to be born again? In chapter 3 in the midst of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus he unveils a great deal about what it means to be “born again.” He unveils unless one is born again, they will not be able to enter the Kingdom, which means that the individual will not be “saved” from the consequences of not accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
It’s interesting to watch Nicodemus respond to Jesus throughout the conversation. First he is confused as a result of thinking that Jesus is talking about being born again physically.
Then in verse 14-18 we get into the heart of the conversation. Jesus talks about the sacrifice that he will have to endure, he talks about God’s incredible love for humanity, and the reality that those who chose to believe in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life.
The sad reality is not everyone will chose…
Live to Love.
C
Probably one of the most common phrases in the Bible is “born again.” What in the world does it mean to be born again? In chapter 3 in the midst of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus he unveils a great deal about what it means to be “born again.” He unveils unless one is born again, they will not be able to enter the Kingdom, which means that the individual will not be “saved” from the consequences of not accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
It’s interesting to watch Nicodemus respond to Jesus throughout the conversation. First he is confused as a result of thinking that Jesus is talking about being born again physically.
Then in verse 14-18 we get into the heart of the conversation. Jesus talks about the sacrifice that he will have to endure, he talks about God’s incredible love for humanity, and the reality that those who chose to believe in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life.
The sad reality is not everyone will chose…
Live to Love.
C
21/21 John 2
Chapter 2
I love Jesus’ first miracle that he performed for one important reason. Jesus involved the common person to be a part of his miracle.
John 2:7-12 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. "They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Jesus involved the servants in his miraculous activity. Each and everyday we too are blessed to be a part of his miracles, we have the opportunity as people with a forgiven past to help others become free, wow, how incredible!
Then as we continue to journey in chapter 2, we see Jesus reveal to the world that he is a man’s man. He came into the temple, saw things going on that were wrong, and he did something about it. He cleared the house. I also find it humorous that no one challenged him. What an incredible lesson we can learn from this story, when we see injustice we have to silence our silence and activate our voice.
Live 2 Love.
C
I love Jesus’ first miracle that he performed for one important reason. Jesus involved the common person to be a part of his miracle.
John 2:7-12 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. "They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Jesus involved the servants in his miraculous activity. Each and everyday we too are blessed to be a part of his miracles, we have the opportunity as people with a forgiven past to help others become free, wow, how incredible!
Then as we continue to journey in chapter 2, we see Jesus reveal to the world that he is a man’s man. He came into the temple, saw things going on that were wrong, and he did something about it. He cleared the house. I also find it humorous that no one challenged him. What an incredible lesson we can learn from this story, when we see injustice we have to silence our silence and activate our voice.
Live 2 Love.
C
21/21 and Chapter 1
So last Sunday I challenged or church to a 21/21 challenge, where we read a chapter of the Gospel of John a day for the next 21 days. I am so incredibly behind in my blogging and posting, due to me being out of town for two days this week, and trying to play catch up. But enough of the excuseS, I am going to post my daily thoughts for the last week to get back on track.
There are so many different ways to study God words, for instance, check out the following video. It's that simple click on a video or audio link of the Bible and BOOM you have just been exposed to the WORD OF GOD! It is such a great tragedy that many of us neglect this great freedom!
There is so much about the book of John that I absolutely love. I LOVE the fact that right from the get go John makes a powerful declartion that Jesus, the Word, is God. John is so straightforward with his declarion that it would be hard for the common person not to understand what he was saying.
Then I love as we journey along in chapter one we read about John, who was sent by God to testify. He came as a witness, a voice piece, to bear witness for Jesus. What an incredible job John did in staying the course of his mission, even to the point of death.
Another interesting piece about John, is that in John 1:15 it reads : John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "
As I move down to verse 21 of John it kind of makes me laugh, I mean it was like John was on a game show called a 100 questions. WHO ARE YOU, WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
Then I love when John sees Jesus walking and in great clarity says BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. What an incredibly powerful statement.
I love what happens in John 1:37 So, John is now with two of his disciples and John is saying to his disciples, they're standing there talking, he says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Then verse 37 states “And the two disciples heard what John said, and they followed Jesus” Shouldn’t that be the goal for all of us, as we do life with others, as we build relationship with others shouldn’t we guide others to Christ? I am so greatly challenged by the way John lived his life to point people to Christ, he even pointed his own disciples to Jesus.
One of those disciples happened to be Andrew, the brother of Peter. There isn’t a whole lot about Andrew that is revealed in God’s Word, but one thing I can conclude is when we do see his name he is bringing people to Jesus. There is no doubt in mind that he was disicipled well by John, because he is doing exactly what John had trained them to do.
Live to Love.
C
There are so many different ways to study God words, for instance, check out the following video. It's that simple click on a video or audio link of the Bible and BOOM you have just been exposed to the WORD OF GOD! It is such a great tragedy that many of us neglect this great freedom!
There is so much about the book of John that I absolutely love. I LOVE the fact that right from the get go John makes a powerful declartion that Jesus, the Word, is God. John is so straightforward with his declarion that it would be hard for the common person not to understand what he was saying.
Then I love as we journey along in chapter one we read about John, who was sent by God to testify. He came as a witness, a voice piece, to bear witness for Jesus. What an incredible job John did in staying the course of his mission, even to the point of death.
Another interesting piece about John, is that in John 1:15 it reads : John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "
As I move down to verse 21 of John it kind of makes me laugh, I mean it was like John was on a game show called a 100 questions. WHO ARE YOU, WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
Then I love when John sees Jesus walking and in great clarity says BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. What an incredibly powerful statement.
I love what happens in John 1:37 So, John is now with two of his disciples and John is saying to his disciples, they're standing there talking, he says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Then verse 37 states “And the two disciples heard what John said, and they followed Jesus” Shouldn’t that be the goal for all of us, as we do life with others, as we build relationship with others shouldn’t we guide others to Christ? I am so greatly challenged by the way John lived his life to point people to Christ, he even pointed his own disciples to Jesus.
One of those disciples happened to be Andrew, the brother of Peter. There isn’t a whole lot about Andrew that is revealed in God’s Word, but one thing I can conclude is when we do see his name he is bringing people to Jesus. There is no doubt in mind that he was disicipled well by John, because he is doing exactly what John had trained them to do.
Live to Love.
C
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
New Book Signing Dates
AUGUST 20TH SHOTWELL STADIUM 4-8PM ABILENE, TEXAS
AUGUST 21ST MALL OF ABILENE 1-5PM ABILENE, TEXAS
AUGUST 21ST MALL OF ABILENE 1-5PM ABILENE, TEXAS
Monday, August 16, 2010
Without Words
I received something today that was unlike anything I have ever received in my 13 years in ministry. Over two years ago one of my friends, Albert was brutally murdered. Four months prior to his death he was shot in both his legs and left to die. As a result of God's intervention his life was spared in early January but unfortunately his time on earth ran out four months later. There is so much to this story, but it's late and I am still overwhelmed even after I have tried to process this for over 7 hours. I received a letter today from the guy that originally shot Albert. He stated in his letter that he had read my namebin newspapers, he knew all about stop the violence and that I was a close friend of Albert's. In his letter to me he asked me to share with Albert's family how sorry he was, that he truly regrets what he did. He went on to ask me in the letter if I would help him change, that he respected what I did to stop the violence, and he wanted to use his past to reach others. I am still speechless, but I can say this, after conversing with Alberts family today I put a letter in the mail addressed to the guy that originally tried to kill my friend. Enclosed in the letter was the words Alberts brother and Sister want you to knowvthat they forgive you, and they pray that you will do all you can to make this world a better place, and they hope you do all you can to stop the violence. I also wrote in this lengthy letter that I forgive you as well, and even though you almost killed my good friend, I want to help you as much as I can. As you read this blog, always remember to raise your voice against injustice, you never know who you will reach.
Live 2 Love,
C
Live 2 Love,
C
Friday, August 13, 2010
Time, where did you run off to?
Wow, I can't believe this week has moved so fast. It seems more and more frequently I find myself asking where has my time gone? This week I was on vacation, more like a staycation because I stayed at home with my family to enjoy Sadie. What a joy it has been to experience God's love in a new way. Although I have had a great week, I am looking forward to getting back to the grind of things and seeing what new things God has in store. I pray regardless how fast your time runs away from you, you will at least take a couple of moments out of your day to pause and take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Live to Love.
C
Live to Love.
C
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Deeper Understanding
Live to love
C
New Dates
Hey guys here is some upcoming dates
Aug 12 book signing Texas Star 6pm
Aug 14 book signing Hastings 12-3pm
Aug 20 book signing Shotwell stadium 6pm
Aug 21 speaking in Lubbock at water park on behalf of clean water movement
Aug 25 Back 2 school bash Sweetwater
Aug 12 book signing Texas Star 6pm
Aug 14 book signing Hastings 12-3pm
Aug 20 book signing Shotwell stadium 6pm
Aug 21 speaking in Lubbock at water park on behalf of clean water movement
Aug 25 Back 2 school bash Sweetwater
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