four32 ministries

North Korean Christian Woman Endures Intense Persecution

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Survival, faith and courage in North Korea:

Please take a break from what you are doing to watch this less than 10 minute video. (click pic or link)

I watched this video today about the testimony of a North Korean Christian named "Yang". I could not believe what I was watching. "How can this be?" I kept telling myself. I was utterly stunned when I saw the pain and suffering she has endured, yet her hope remains in Christ. I sat and prayed in silence stunned.

What strength she has to be alive today! She was abused and beat for praying and becoming a Christian. She was on the verge of starvation. She ate sand and wood. She was enslaved and raped. She lost a child. She lost a friend. She lost parts of her feet. She remains in pain to this day. This little woman survived all this. Still she wants to return to North Korea to save her people...

Nothing can explain that away. The world would call her a fool, but her mission for Jesus is that serious. She would endure the pain of tyrannical oppression to share the Gospel in North Korea. She is not living for this world, but for the next. What an amazing testimony! Wow! Only God could have given her something so great that she would want to do that.

I was immensely humbled by her bravery and perseverance. Through everything she lives for God and lives to make him known in North Korea. How wretched are we? I wanted to break down on my knees and beg forgiveness for wasting the many opportunities I have had in freedom. God has given us so much, and we abuse it daily. Yang was given so little, but she has shown tremendous faith and strength.

What an amazing woman! What an amazing God!

Lord, we pray for North Korea, South Korea, China, and Mongolia. Make your name great in these countries, Lord. You have allowed these atrocities to continue in this part of the world. Lord, we plead to put them to an end Lord. Turn this country upside down for your glory. We thank you for the air, food, belief, and life you give us. Forgive us for taking our lives for granted. Give strength to your missionaries to North Korea and China. Use these people to bring glory to you. If you send us Lord, give us but a pebble of this woman's strength and boldness. We thank you for the privilege to see your love in action through Yang. Use the missionaries in this part of the world to reach North Koreans with your love.

Here is a link to the video.

Prayer for the Persecuted: Asia Bibi

2011-02-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, wife and mother of two

"Our Christ sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins. What has your prophet done for you? Our Christ is alive. Your prophet is dead. Our Christ is the true prophet of God and yours is not true." - Asia Bibi (she said this and was shortly after arrested)

In Pakistan June 2009, Bibi was charged with blasphemy and locked in jail for what she said about Jesus and Mohammad. She was sentenced to death in November 2010. She remains in jail while she appeals the sentence.

~Remember to pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe.

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. - Hebrews 13:3

"Jesus is my faith. He is with me."
- Asia Bibi (in a letter from prison)

What a bold woman! Pray for her. Let's be bold like her to stand firm in the name of Christ! He is the greatest prophet. He is the Messiah! He is True! He sacrificed His life on the cross so that any and all sin is paid in full. He rose again to give eternal life. This is the Gospel, the Good News! Believe in him and have eternal life. Asia Bibi sure does. Do you?

Click here for the full story from Voice of the Martyrs.

ATL trip 2 (part 3)

2011-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

To read Part 1 and Part 2

After house church, we went to an Indian-geared service called the Village at Cross Pointe Church. The first thing Pastor Suresh said is "We meet here for Jesus, but our calling is for the scattering Monday through Saturday." My ears pinned up. "We refuse to believe that the power of the church has been diminished," he continued. It was a wonderful start to an even better service.

Next, an Indian woman named Mary came forward to share her testimony. She has been through several years of suffering in health, losing loved ones, and difficulties finding a husband; however, she shared that through trial in weakness, we either become bitter or better. Then she quoted 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and pointed out “'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'" and "For when I am weak, then I am strong." Even through all her hardships, God proved faithful and in her weakness proved his strength. What an awesome way of thinking about God!

I immediately wrote down a letter to God admitting my weakness and handing all that over to God. I let God's strength be stronger than my weakness and fear. I felt free again from these burdens and prayed for a consistent daily growth. I prayed that I would please him with life and set not to please men above him anymore.

Pastor Suresh shared with everyone about renewal and this main idea, God created us for significance and empowered us for influence. Using Exodus 30:22-32 to relate to Christ's character he described myrrh, historically not only one of the wise men's gifts to Jesus but an analgesic and embalming spice. Expanding the analogy, he related Christ's power to deal with pain. Christ empowers us to deal with all kinds of pain, such as betrayal, rejection, illness, insignificance, death, snares, sin, weakness, misunderstanding, frustration, our past, etc. Then, he related Christ as an embalming oil. We are preserved for life beyond death through Christ. Eternal life is knowing God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, he asked, "Are you renewing this anointing daily?" The challenge was there for me to grasp and accept.

I took this message as a huge encouragement. I prayed for God's power to be the best in all that I am, not for my selfish gain but totally in service to God. I thank God for empowering me and raining down his Holy Spirit during this trip and this week since coming home. God has been teaching major discipline and helping me follow through. I praise God for the wonderful ways he has been confirming his vision and providing the friends around me. Upon returning home one thing has been implanted into my heart and mind, Gospel community is something that needs to be more of a reality in Starkville.

What a wonderful way that God moved this weekend visiting and praying for our friends! My prayers go with you Zach, Leigh, Grayson and Josh.

ATL trip 2 (part 2)

2011-01-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Click here to read the first part:

We got up bright and early Sunday morning. We gathered together for more fellowship in house church. The older men, Mike, Jeff, and Eddie, there painting shared wisdom with us. This was where the weekend took on a whole new tone for me, I'm not sure why, but I'm thankful for the Lord's speaking through these brothers and sisters. The words from Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 10 spoke God's word to me personally from these men:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

The shield of faith to guard your heart and mind

The words these men had to share concerning these verses was that we should pray for Christ to guard our hearts and minds. Eddie shared about the ways in which he had fallen as a young pastor. He quoted Phillipians 4:7, then he summed his problems up in this way. "You need Him," Eddie said. "More than marriage, cars, house, money is that you need Him. Don't think that you have arrived because you need Him, and you need to be on your knees."

I asked the fellowship, "How do we avoid the snares of the devil?" Mike read from Ephesians 6:10-20 and 2 Corinthians 10:6 pleading with us to take up the armor of God and take every thought captive to defend against the schemes of the devil. "The power of the evil one is only the power we give him," he said. "When a thought comes to us, we should analyze where is this coming from?" Likewise, he reminded us that the Holy Spirit would call to mind the scriptures to battle evil. "The battle is won with the truth of the Word," Mike said.

Lastly, Mike talked about the oppression of sin. He talked about a family member that is hard to love because of his sinful ways. "That's not the person doing it because it's the oppression in their life," he said. "Once you think of their actions in this way, then it helps you love the unlovable." I've been dealing with this issue in my walk, and can see myself being the unlovable often also. I'm praying that God will remind me of this to help me love others more.

(to be continued Part 3)

ATL trip 2 (part 1)

2011-01-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord! What a wonderful time of God pouring out his vision for my friends and I that went to Atlanta this weekend. We, meaning Ranjita, Sid, JP, Shaun, Adam, Nicole, Beth, and Liz, went to visit Zach Cawthorn again at Global Frontier Missions in Clarkston, Ga. We prayed mostly for Zach's upcoming vision-casting trip to India, but being with that Gospel Community is always a time to grow closer to God. The trip was different this time in that God freed me from the baggage of oppression that I have been carrying around. First, let me tell you about what we did, then I'll get to what I mean by this freeing. My memory may be a little rough. To the people who were there, forgive me if I get something wrong.

We arrived late Friday, and most of us just plopped down for bed. We got up the next morning and met together in the living room of the apartment to pray and worship together. Zach introduced those who had never been there before to what GFM is about. From there we went to the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu temple about 20 minutes car ride away. We sat through a ritual ceremony and prayed that the people worshipping the idols would come to know Jesus as the one and only Messiah. We listened to Brahmins as they told us about the process of the ritual. I left concerned for the Hindu people, but also for my own people, Americans (myself included), who are doing nothing to bring salvation to these people. The veil is over both alike.

From there we went to Mirch Masala, an Indian restaurant, for lunch. It was much spicier this time around. I like it that way. Next, we went to the Dekalb County Farmer's market, where a majority UN employed internationals work. Then, we returned to Clarkston with a short tour like last time, and we parked at an adjacent apartment complex to play with kids in the afternoon. We played lots of soccer, which was a blast. The kids were so happy to play and laugh. I remember Chuma, Ariadne, Noah, Chetz, and so many other kids smiling. Chetz was a Nepali who wore this big white coat, yet he wore sandals or no shoes. I loved his goofiness. I'm glad he went back and got his shoes. We left cold, sweaty, muddy, yet glad to have come and loved on these wonderfully awesome kids.

That evening was also full of cool happenings. We waited for dinner, which was spaghetti. The fellowship was so much fun. Next, we went to the prayer house at the next door apartment and spent the night in worship and prayer. Spending that time praying and talking to God was time well spent. Communing with God and listening/praying for others in fellowship is what I love about this Gospel Community. We spent the night praying away. I got very sleepy, however. I think it was all the soccer, but I had a little trouble staying awake toward the end. Sleeping that night in the room with all the guys was very restful.

(to be continued to part 2)

Paul's Letter to America

2011-01-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

I read this Letter to America by a renowned pastor and walked away blessed in the depths of my soul from reading his words. It wasn't written by John Piper, Billy Graham, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, William Carey, or the Pope, for that matter, but it was written by a saint, brother and martyr in God's kingdom. It's an awesome reminder. Although many things are attached to his name, it's easy to forget he was first and foremost a Christian activist and evangelist. We as the Body of Christ so often forget that we, also, are united to his mission-- to glorify Christ.

The letter is over half a century old, yet it speaks still so much truth to us today. Take a few minutes to read this. You won't be able to put this down without a feeling of love for this man, his connection to the Spirit and the compelling need to get out there and do something. We must do our part to recognize his rebuke and do something about it.

To all of God's children out there reading this doing something to fulfill this mission, I respect you and love you for all you do as a brother and sister in Christ. If you have read this letter before, I hope this reminds you of something new, especially the power from which this man did such great things. Let this encourage us to do more in this way.

In the love of Christ,

Eliot

P.S. hint: that renowned pastor saw thousands of people standing around this pool (click the link to see the letter)....

The Washington Monument from Lincoln Memorial

Remind me I'm yours.

2011-01-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hey friends,

It's been a while since I've written in my blog, but I've had an interesting last couple of months. Too much has happened to type it all, but here are some highlights: Wandered from reading the Word and seeking God towards the end of last semester. Signed up to take the LSAT in February. Went to Cabo San Lucas on vacation with family. Got back on path towards God. Went to Breakthru with Emily's youth. God confirmed that Atlanta and India is where he wants me to go, but that I need to seek him in the now. Went to the Gator Bowl (Go Dawgs!). Started school again. Stumbled again. God has made it clear that I need to remove obstacles that are keeping me from doing his will (John the Baptist, Matthew 3 => “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” and "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’). Snow Day happened. We're up to speed now.

I read 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 today:

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (emphasis added)

We must not boast in the person who showed us Christ, but we ought to remember that we belong to God. Through the commentary of Charles Spurgeon's commentary these verses hold a valuable defense against temptation and sin because remembering whose possession we are will change our actions toward godliness. Check it out:

"Ye are Christ's." You are His by donation, for the Father gave you to the Son; His by His bloody purchase, for He counted down the price for your redemption; His by dedication, for you have consecrated yourself to Him; His by relation, for you are named by His name, and made one of His brethren and joint-heirs. Labour practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, "I cannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ's." Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say that you are Christ's, and touch it not. Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ's. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, "No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ's. If I were not purchased by blood, I might be like Issachar, crouching between two burdens; but I am Christ's, and cannot loiter." When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, "Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ's." When the cause of God invites thee, give thy goods and thyself away, for thou art Christ's. Never belie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whose manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you are the Saviour's, recognizing in you His features of love and His countenance of holiness. "I am a Roman!" was of old a reason for integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument for holiness, "I am Christ's!"

Spurgeon's commentary on Paul's letter to the Corinthians is a practical way to make a stand against temptation. We are Christ's. Our conduct ought to point to him. The price he paid was much too high for us to cheapen it with our continued unrepentant sin. It's easy to say, but I know all too well how disobedient is my heart. I have let sin take root in me. I have bonded that to Christ. In this admission Satan attempts to own me in condemnation, but he will not this day. Christ owns me, thus God owns Christ. He has bought me and holds no wrong against me because of the substitution of the Lamb. Lord, provide us the strength this day and all our days to say, "No!" to ungodliness.

I am yours, lure and strengthen my focus on you.

When I seek to be lazy with my tasks, remind me I'm yours.

When I think to do evil in your sight, remind me I'm yours.

When I want to quit following you, remind me I'm yours.

When you invite me to your works, remind me I'm yours.

When evil lays a snare in my midst, remind me I'm yours.

When I'm selfish and puffed up, remind me I'm yours.

I'm yours, Christ Jesus, all yours.

Brokenness Before Becoming Christlike

2010-11-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

Thanks for those that are praying for me through a rough time. It's mostly my creating, as God has been showing me. It's amazing to see God bring discipline and humility into His revelations to me the past few days. In writing this blog and going about my walk this fall, I see how I'm becoming puffed up and prideful. I've become a busybody and irresponsible with much of what God has given me. Without handling my own responsibilities, I've looked at others only. What a stubborn servant I am! It's brimmed to a point that God has put me in my place. Thanks and praise be to God that I see again His ways. His tests and trials are so good. I know that He deeply loves me because he brings me to greater understanding of him.

In John 21, Christ beckons Peter by probing his heart and demanding him to feed the sheep/lambs. Also, he predicts the manner of Peter's death. Immediately after this Peter is concerned more about what Christ has in store for John. Christ says, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

Boy, I don't know about you, but this is such a wake up call for me. I'm by no means Peter, but to see that I am so focused on interfering with what God is doing that I'm reaping a time of brokenness. God is teaching and calling, yet I'm sitting on the sidelines in my pride pointing out what he has going on with others. It's time to follow him and feed the sheep like he asks. I can't have it my way anymore because it's time to deny my way and be like Christ. My pride must be broken before I can do that effectively.

Here is a list of several scriptures that have spoken God's words to me recently (For the sake of time, I'll briefly tell what the Word is saying):

Philippians 2:3-5

My mind has been focused on others, but I would not say it has been Christlike. I've been like a Pharisee, a hypocrite, like Peter in John 21. Looking to others first without having my attitude centered on his mission. I'm following me, and not Him. Forgive me if recently I've not been representing Him well around you.

Psalm 139:23-24

If I were to say this now, God would find a lot of idolatry (sports, lust, comfort, laziness,etc.). Forgive me Lord and cleanse me. Help me to walk in a way that pleases you.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Passing the test means that Christ is in me and you. Are we examining ourselves? If we're honest with ourselves, we would repent (turn from them and seek a His ways).

Ephesians 5:25-27

If I ever want to be a good husband, I must be Christlike-- loving sacrificially. This includes understanding and encouraging and being to her as he lovingly does to me.

James 1:22-25

I've looked at the law of liberty in Romans 7-8 and 1 Corinthians 3:17, yet I'm not being a doer. I should just stop typing now.

Believe and follow him for you will find more joy in being a part of his plan than you will ever find when you blindly lead yourself. Pray that I would not stray from this. Pray that we would be striving more and more to be like Christ. Grace and Peace to his Saints.

Gratefully in His Arms,

Eliot

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

2010-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

http://bit.ly/ck3dja"

Being a temple of the Holy Spirit bought at a high price has spoken a great deal to me this week. I'm seeking to glorify him in all things.

I know this is really short this week. It's been a crazy week, but it's gotten a lot better. God is awesomely using me. He's doing much pruning to his servant. It's humbling that God sees me worthy to be used.

I'll have more updates soon. Hope you're getting on fire for God out there.

In the grace that is Christ Jesus.

Romans 15

2010-10-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Psalm 102 (1-18, 25-27) & Psalm 103:8-14

I'm in a place of humility. After being in a place where I thought things were figured out and understood, it's humbling to see that life continues to get harder and less certain (Many times its because of my pride, selfishness, irresponsibility, etc.). It's hard to see anything clearly now. It's distressing and unsettling. It's a cold reality. I'm fearing God in this time. He's clearly seeking my attention through his rebuking and chiding.

I must respond with due diligence to thank him and praise him. The Psalms that God speaks to his people have renewed my soul some, but I'm still a little wounded and confused. I was trying to do more of what God wanted me to do, but through that I've found less and less time for everything. All the while in my wickedness, I've become sluggish and sloppy a little. Something feels wrong, but it's difficult to put a finger on it. I'm not myself, but feel under attack from others and from within. Please pray for this week that God's goodness would shine through.

James 4:17 and Romans 15:1-3

These verses are also weighing on me. In seeking to do what is right, I've been pleasing myself less and less. Seeing selfish gain as evil compared to what God wants me to do I've been putting off the daily tasks for me to do what others need. It's lead to a whole lot of discouragement. Along the same note, I'm causing pain for those around me with my words and actions at times. Where is the sin and where is the good? By trying to do good, am I sinning? What does God mean when he says these verses to me right now. I'm really struggling to keep my head afloat with life whizzing by and could use your prayers to understand what is it that is good and right. I'm struggling to know what is sin. I want to know what is right and how to keep doing that.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading today.

Grace and Peace to to His saints.

Welcome to Atlanta!

2010-10-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm having a great visit in Atlanta. I'm hanging out with my boys and learning about Jesus. It's been awesome to see how Zach Cawthorn is living together with believers in Christ while he's doing Missions Training School through Global Frontier Missions in Clarkston, Ga.

The weekend began with mid-terms in the rear-view mirror and Socctoberfest at Clemson. Unfortunately, we tied two and lost one and didn't advance. I did, however, get to stay in Atlanta for a few days with Zach, which has been amazing. It's been great getting to be with brothers: Shaun, J.P., and Sid.

Also, it's been fun making new friends and seeing what the school/learning environment is like. It appeals to me a lot. The environment is in-tune to the Holy Spirit. It's an experience that would be what Acts 4:32-37 is all about. It's about being believers in a place where community happens, while living amongst some of the most diverse areas of the country, and the need is high for the Gospel.

God has been using this time well. I was slightly anxious about it, but God has shown me one example of what living together should be. It makes me sad to think that I've got to go back to Starkville tomorrow. I want to get on the mission here.

This weekend has helped me realize one thing that I do need to do at State is find the thing that wrecks me and do something about it. The thing that wrecks me... I thought about it long and hard. It has to be that men aren't stepping up to be leaders and many Christians in our bubbles are externally putting the mask on, but deep inside they are hypocritically empty. In a more focused way, guys are falling into the temptations of sin in pleasures and worries of this world. Especially, the crumbling of guy's faiths under the pressures involving lust and riches.

Bill Hybel's and Rick Warren's respective messages today gave me direction in a much needed way. It's awesome that the Holy Spirit was already pushing and working in this way, but they really affirmed this through the spirit into me. Sharing that this morning with others was really exciting and fun. I can't wait to see how God is going to prove faithful in all this time.

Another thing that is stirring in me is that God has laid on me the stupidity of segregated churches and of the laziness of spectator Christianity. We have become so stuck in these groups of people that we aren't reaching out to other people of other ethnicities in love. Sloth and fiddling of hands by Christians is such a hypocritical problem in our churches. I'm done letting myself do these silly things. Lord willing, I can put forth more efforts to change these things. Please don't be this person or put up with this person.

God has renewed my zeal to reach the lost. Nothing has done that more than being around a group of missionaries who want to go to India. The punctuation for this urgency was imposed on me in a new way. We visited a Hindu temple today. I had never done this. I have divinely been shown the things that God wants me to know, and I know that he does want me to go to India some time in my lifetime to do a long-term mission.

Why would I have learned all this really awesome stuff and been placed in the Bandi family and been surrounded by Indians all this time if God didn't have some awesome plan? He's got something brewing. We'll see how soon I will be in India. Timeline to be determined.

Lastly, I'm finding that God needs me to put things down and let go of all the mess that is holding God's message back. Where am I injecting too much me into God's working? I need to take myself out of things and let God work. I need to focus less and less on gaining any recognition or appreciation for what I do. It should be more and more about heaping up fruit that God, the master, will enjoy.

As always, please pray for what I'm doing. Please, also, pray for Ranjita and lift her up tomorrow especially as she goes to the specialist doctor to find out what has been troubling her. Ranjita has been going through several long-haul hardships, mainly her severe stomach problems. Petition to the Father that she will find relief in these sufferings.

Thanks for reading.

I'll leave you with some question groups to comment on that we've been answering and listening to.

1. What wrecks you? What tears you up? What can you no longer stand in this world? What is your holy discontent?

2. What are you going to do about it? How does God want you to bring others to faith through this? How can you grow to meet this need that God has for you?

3. What's in your hand that God wants you to use? Are you too occupied to do it? What could you stand to put down? What could you cut out of your life, so you can find time to use what God has gifted you with?

Hello and Welcome to my Blog

2010-10-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hey friends,

Welcome to my missions/ministry blog, four32 ministries. I'm excited to get my missions blog off the ground. My hope is to journal a little bit about the missions lifestyle that I hope to live based on Acts 4:32-37. Future posts will include day-in-the-life, mini-sermons, and monthly updates.

I'm considering some different missions options after graduation next May. I've looked at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) a lot and now the International Missions Board. I'm considering another option in Atlanta, Missions Training School.

I wanted to initially get family and close friends in the know about what I'm considering. Please follow me, and I'll keep you posted on updates concerning my missions choice. If you're in the Starkville area, lets live out missions at home together. Let's bear fruit where we are.

Please also pray for my research and decision making. If you have any information that would be helpful in my decision making process, please don't hesitate to contact me at eliot587@gmail.com.

Thanks for being in my life. Seek Christ along with me as his bond servant/disciple. Lets make disciples and teach others to obey his commands. We are all in God's mission field. We are the hope of the world.

Thanks for reading this. I hope to have an update for you soon.

Wrapped in His Grace and Ready to Serve Him,

Eliot

I'm back. Meeting tomorrow night

2009-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hey,

I was pretty busy the past few days. It was pretty interesting. I'll fill you in more a tad later, but I'm preparing my internship material, church, and notes and powerpoint for tomorrow.

Work, work, work, get to work

2009-02-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've got to get lots of work done today. I've got to write an article in about an hour. Here we go. Lord, help me do my work on time.

When a loved one hates you...

2009-02-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

God and everyone,

What do you do when someone in your family hates you? I don't want to retaliate with anger. No God, please take that from me. I know that's not what you want, either.

What do you do when they are making mistakes and you want to help? I must seek you and find your answers.

What can I do about her situation? Love. How can I talk to this person about this in love? Don't bring it up, let them talk some. Listen, then slowly show your concern. Don't rush in, maybe they will give up the fight, or maybe they will want to come fighting. You, remain at peace.

I have major concerns for this person right now? Their behavior? They are shaming You, Father. I have been down that road, should I let this person fail to find You?

What do you want me to do, Father?

Just get back to me, God. I've done within my own means what I thought I ought to do for this person by talking about it with others, but I don't think it's working. Help me to love father.

God, please help Dad and Mom find it in them to do what is best. Help them to rebuke with the appropriate firmness. Tell Dad what to do. Open eyes to all that needs to be known.

Help me, Father. It's difficult loving the other in this equation. I want to reach for vinegar, but you want me to find the honey and pass it out. Help me find the honey, God. When vinegar is going around, Father, give me the strength to swallow it and offer honey anyway. Deliver me from my anger and temper. It will do no good, and only make this situation worse for You.

If I am unsatisfied with some hypocrisy, then I must bring your light into the darkness. Help me to be bright with Your truth, but with peace and joy and love. I am bad at this Father, but you are the best. I trust You with this situation Father, do your will.

Amen.

For T...

2009-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Something went down with a friend this morning. The beans got spilled and it ended in tears. I pray for comfort for her and love. Please don't let her cry anymore. I love her, too, and most important You do God. Soften her heart, and let her be embraced in your care. Give her happiness and joy through all around her today. Turn the day into something beautiful.

Bless me indeed for you causes God this day. Expand your kingdom in those who don't believe. Guide me and use me to spoke what you want. Deliver me from the evil and temptation of the world. Amen.

Prayer

2009-02-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

God,

Please bless me... not in that superficial way.... It's amazing when that is ask how God brings the rain. Let the seeds go deep and be covered by your rain. Set the seed alive. When those seeds grow, let me grow with them, Father.

God, I'm working on somethings in my life to make it yours, and you have helped me a lot. It,s no longer about me. You have changed so much in me the past two months. I've moved in your will maybe the most I ever have within the past two months. I want to find more of this.

I'm nothing right now, Father. I'm only a humble young man of 21 in Starkville, Miss., with no real power or degree or money. But, I walk in your spirit now. You have been pouring into to me, and it's been over flowing. What do I do with this God. This is my prayer.

What should I do, God? I'm here, listening. I'm going to go pray in the secret place, God. Give me your vision for what you want me to do for the coming year. Is it Québec? Is it Sénégal? Is it MSU? What is it that you're calling me to? What is my mission? What is my calling? Will I know soon? Will I meet the deadlines? Will I know in time? You can make it happy, where do I start? Where are you planting your seed?

I love you so much God. I stopped doing your will for a while, but you are unstoppable. You don't give up on me. I guess I am like Peter. Proud and quick to speak and slow to listen and quick to anger. I needed your rebuke. I thank you for it. As far as I know, it has been purged out of me all the immorality and foolishness. It is not far, though. Deliver me from the evils, Lord. You have made me slow to speak and quick to listen and slow to anger.

I thank you for Ranjita. I love my family. They find pride in me and love me more than I deserve. I am learning to write. This is one of the seeds. Teach me to write well for you. Let your words write in my words. Inspire me to write your words. Inspire me each day with your word. Inspire me with You.

The other seed is the wealth of knowledge you have given me already. My wealth of knowledge in my belief. It's your Word. It's my experiences. It's my schooling. It's my travels. It's my father's words. It's the hard-lessons learned. It's the hard rain in my face.

You know my words are simple and practical. I do not claim wisdom, but You seem to have given me some maturity in my words. People listen to them, sometimes more often than others. My words are often too many, but you have taught me to be more concise. So, I listen to that.

Lord, your other seeds are the connections you give me. You make it easy for me to talk to people. You make it simple to jump out and be that guy who intiates. You have made me a leader, in many regards. In some regards, I am still very much a child though. Rebuke me where needed, God.

Your next seed is the innovator and activist in me. You set your truth in my heart and want me to strive for your greater-good and right. I pray that this pleases you. You give me compassion to empathize and to see the hurt. I thank you father. Not many men have this.

Father you even make my weakness a seed. I am not your typical man. I have feelings more similar to a women's. You made me sensitive to the happenings around me. It's a blessing and a curse. It's good and bad.

I'll talk more about the seeds later, but God you know them. Use these seeds and plant them and let them grow to be yours in your orchard and vineyard. Let them be attached to your vine.

Lord Jesus, cleanse me some more and transform me. I'm still here to be shaped by you. Mold me as your clay.

I'll admit it's tough, Lord. I am having difficulty now trusting, but I do, God.

I pray for Mitch, Ron, Evan, Ibrahim, Ranjita, Ketan, Wade, Charlie, Nathaniel, Ross, Nate, Colby, Eric, Elizabeth, Mom, Dad, Tina, Sam, BYX, my Timothys, my Paul, my Barnabas, the men's soccer movement, ALHP, my internship, my jobs, my schooling, my family, for you in my life, my money, the fund-raising, Sénégal, for guidance, for the mission field, for answers. Tell me father what you want.

I thank you for answering the prayer on my relationship this week. I thank you for sending me a messager tonight. Thanks for senorita. Thanks for your blessings. Thanks for expanding your territory. Thanks for guiding me. Thanks for unleashing you in this life. Thanks for the words to speak with non-believers.

Let me know the words you want me to say in my blogs God. Bless this blog. Let people come read this and be astonished by You and drawn to You. Let my words be no more or no less than what you call for.

Let me sleep well father and rise for you tomorrow. Help me tomorrow to do your will, Father God. Let your Spirit work in me tomorrow. Show me the opportunities you want me to reach for You. Bless me for your will, God. Thank You and I Love You, Jesus. In Jesus' Name... Amen.