Life is...

I never want to simply just 'be'. That would be a sorry state. To simply exist with no purpose? Sounds like a pointless life to me.

That's probably one of the many reasons why I stay so busy. Its a miracle in and of itself thatI will be home most of the weekend. Probably a good thing, I need to get caught up in school and Bible Quiz anyway.

But the point of everything I do (or at least try to) is to utilize my talents and giftings that God has given me. To squander them would be "lying with my worship", which is a whole different blog.

"There's more to living than being alive." Isn't that a great quote? More to life than just 'being'.

Kinda hard to get your mind around it, huh?

I STRONGLY feel that this is a concept that XLR8 needs to 'get' to reach that next level. To be living OUT our faith, and not just living In our faith.

Coping with disapointment

You know what? You're gonna be hurt in life. Simple fact. There's no getting around it. But the trick is getting back up when life knocks you down.

P. Matt just resigned to take the role of Lead Pastor at Lifepoint church in Delaware OH. I know I was sad, I cried I'll admit, but I know that this is what God wants for them and for us. That has comforted me. And I know God has a plan for XLR8 youth ministries too.

But some of the students in XLR8 haven't gotten over that shock, or in some eyes, the disappointment. Now, this is probably a little harsh, but...GET OVER IT! LIFE HURTS! Yes it's sad that they're leaving, but God's in control. Do you really think you know better than God?

Another place I've been disappointed in was in not receiving either part I auditioned for in the Christmas Drama "The Gospel According to Scrooge". I was so let down by that, I actually considered not participating at all. But I know now that God wants me there. For some reason I just wasn't supposed to have that part. Maybe I'm supposed to focus on other things this semester? Who knows?

Holy Spirit

I was recently discussing the baptism in the Holy Spirit with a fellow Christian who came from a background that believes that the Spirit was only for Bible Times.

This discussion got me thinking about the gift of tongues. And I think I might have found a point at which I disagree wit the A/G.

A/G says that when you are baptized in the Spirit you receive the gift of tongues. I belive that you will receive your 'prayer language' after being baptized, but not immediately.

I believe that you can be filled with the Spirit, without speaking in tongues.

While every time in scripture someone was filled with the Spirit they spoke in tongues, I can find no verse that states that you receive the tongues immediately, as far as I can tell its just a trend.

Now, I have been baptized in the Spirit, and I have received my 'prayer language' and totally believe it to be the Spirit.

Just a thought I had, post a comment with your thoughts?

The art of screaming

Ah screaming, don't you just love it? Whether it's little kids who want something, a cry of pain, or a battle-cry, screaming is one of those annoying little constants that we don't really think about...but we know that when someone screams, something's up.

I recently found a band called Jonah 33, and I LOVE their song 'Scream'.
http://www.lyricscafe.com/hits/song.php?grid=11&id=1009887
there are the lyrics to the song, please at the very least read them, or listen to the song.

"Scream at the top of your lungs if you're ready to die tonight for what you believe!"
Them's finghtin words right there, and, as Christians, I think we need 'fightin words' more often in our lives.
But it's far to easy and human to say something and mean it, but to never follow through with it.

So go ahead! Let loose a scream! Let the world know that you're ready to die for what you believe...Trust me, they'll listen.

What's yours?

I recently read watched a commercial that said "So come and share your individuality with people just like you!" Yeah pretty funny, but it got me thinking...

What is individuality anyway? MW defines it as something that sets you apart and distinguishes you from others. You know how true that quote should be to Christian's? We SHOULD share individuality with others, ALL CHRISTIANS (not just Pentecostals) should be so alike and attuned to God and each other, that the world can't help but notice that we ARE different. And that we are unified.

One thing that really bugs me that Pentecostals seem to believe is that you must be baptized or be seeking the Holy Spirit in order to be a Christian. NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE does it say this! The Holy Spirit is totally real, no doubts whatsoever, but you do not 'need' him to be saved. Just think about that for a minute...

Got to go get ready for the last softball game of the year! It'd be nice to go out with a win...

We leave for National FAF next Sunday! I'm SO STOKED for what God gonna do that week. But also, that morning, My worship band is playing at the Wood County Fair service. I am anticipating God touching lives there!