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Thursday, July 5, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
What God is doing in my life in Alaska
It has been too long since I have blogged. I told a lot of you that donated that I would blog about my experiences and I finally got an off day to do it. My experience in Alaska so far has been one of the best summers of my life and that is no joke. I am extremely blessed for this opportunity, and I will share with you guys with what God has been doing in my life and what this summer is all about. For those of you who don't know I am playing for a Christian based team in the Alaskan Baseball League with a group of guys who are serious about their relationship with Christ. We have bible studies a couple times a week and we will have different discipleship leaders come up with Athletes in Action to help us grow in our faith. The goal is to mold us into Godly men. The discipleship leaders hang around at all the games and practices and everyone usually tries to make the opportunity to talk one on one. I got the opportunity to sit down and talk about some of my struggles with one the the leaders who played football at UCLA and had a short stint in the NFL. His name is Corwin. I told him that I was getting kind of discouraged because I didn't have a real solid Christian support system and I didn't come from a Christian background. He told me God called me to be a pioneer, and that I could start a new family legacy, a Christ-centered family. One Godly man can branch off to impact a ton of lives. He told me that I had many spiritual gifts that God could use ot make a huge impact on his kingdom. Corwin's words were very encouraging, and my heart is willing to allow God to do his work in me and he already has. I will share with you all some of the notes I have written down during our bible studies that have really touched my heart.
-You can't have peace without grace.
-People can argue with me about a lot of things, but they can't argue with all that Jesus has done in my life.
-Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.
-We shouldn't live in circumstances we should live in Christ.
-You can always trust a known God with an unknown circumstance.
-Some of our dreams have to die in order for God's dreams for us to come true,
-A woman of God can be identified by what she flees from, follows after, is faithful to, and what she fights for.
-We can't always follow our emotions, let scripture guide your emotions.
-Don't allow outside circumstances control you. (Alcohol, sex, pornography, marajuana etc)
-My thought process is dictated by where my heart is.
-Jesus didn't take the easy way because he had an intimate relationship with the Father.
-Godly men will do what they have to do regardless of what they want to do.
-When you are in fellowship with God then you are in step with him and your heart's desires are his.
Those are just a few of the phrases that touched my heart, but I also found myself asking myself some serious questions about where my faith lied.
What area of my life am I hesitant on surrendering to Christ?
When people meet me do they get a taste of Jesus?
What are some of the circumstances in my life that can help proclaim the gospel?
Everybody is going to be mastered by something, what am I going to be mastered by?
Do I cause other people to grow bold in their faith?
What comes to mind when people think of me?
Do I cause other people to grow in their faith?
How do I constantly stay in fellowship with God?
-Is my attitude for pleasing sinful nature or pleasing God?
These are all some really good self-evaluation questions that have been hard to answer, but have been very freeing to surrender them to God and allow him to change me into the right person with the right answers to these questions. I still have struggles, but I know the Lord is faithful and just to turn a sinner like me into a Godly man who has a willing heart.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9
It is impossible to live out your Christian life without the Holy Spirit.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot recieve, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
John 14:15-17
For me to live is ______ and to die is _______.
Some of you may be familar with this verse, and you can fill in these blanks with anything you want. The only way to complete this sentence, and for it to make sense is how Paul fills it in Phillipians 1:21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." That is a powerful statement, and you have to ask yourself, What am I living for? Do I have an eternal perspective? When the time comes when my life is over I want to rest in the fact that I lived for Christ. To live for Christ is to live a life with no regrets.
I could go on and on with all the different things that God is revealing to me and laying on my heart. I am beyond blessed with the opportunity to play the game I love (baseball), grow in Christ, and spend the summer in the prettiest place I have ever been. God is SO good! I am also living with my uncle which has been really great to get to know him a little better. It is crazy how the Lord works. There is one last thing, and it is something I hate doing more than anything and that is asking for money. This is a mission trip so I had to raise a certain amount of money to be able to make this trip possible. The team's funds are short a little over $20,000, and I am short on my part. I have raised $1,150 and I needed to raise $3,850. This covers travel expenses, food, stay, airfare, team expenses etc. I can't thank the people enough who have already donated and I don't expect you to give anymore, but if you haven't please consider investing in my time in Alaska. People are hearing the gospel and God is doing some great things in and through my teammates and I. You can donate at the following link https://my.athletesinaction.org/user/event/Alaska-41493.aspx my code is 21588. Every little bit counts and if you can't donate please keep my team and I in your prayers.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on Earth."
-Matt
-You can't have peace without grace.
-People can argue with me about a lot of things, but they can't argue with all that Jesus has done in my life.
-Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.
-We shouldn't live in circumstances we should live in Christ.
-You can always trust a known God with an unknown circumstance.
-Some of our dreams have to die in order for God's dreams for us to come true,
-A woman of God can be identified by what she flees from, follows after, is faithful to, and what she fights for.
-We can't always follow our emotions, let scripture guide your emotions.
-Don't allow outside circumstances control you. (Alcohol, sex, pornography, marajuana etc)
-My thought process is dictated by where my heart is.
-Jesus didn't take the easy way because he had an intimate relationship with the Father.
-Godly men will do what they have to do regardless of what they want to do.
-When you are in fellowship with God then you are in step with him and your heart's desires are his.
Those are just a few of the phrases that touched my heart, but I also found myself asking myself some serious questions about where my faith lied.
What area of my life am I hesitant on surrendering to Christ?
When people meet me do they get a taste of Jesus?
What are some of the circumstances in my life that can help proclaim the gospel?
Everybody is going to be mastered by something, what am I going to be mastered by?
Do I cause other people to grow bold in their faith?
What comes to mind when people think of me?
Do I cause other people to grow in their faith?
How do I constantly stay in fellowship with God?
-Is my attitude for pleasing sinful nature or pleasing God?
These are all some really good self-evaluation questions that have been hard to answer, but have been very freeing to surrender them to God and allow him to change me into the right person with the right answers to these questions. I still have struggles, but I know the Lord is faithful and just to turn a sinner like me into a Godly man who has a willing heart.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9
It is impossible to live out your Christian life without the Holy Spirit.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot recieve, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
John 14:15-17
For me to live is ______ and to die is _______.
Some of you may be familar with this verse, and you can fill in these blanks with anything you want. The only way to complete this sentence, and for it to make sense is how Paul fills it in Phillipians 1:21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." That is a powerful statement, and you have to ask yourself, What am I living for? Do I have an eternal perspective? When the time comes when my life is over I want to rest in the fact that I lived for Christ. To live for Christ is to live a life with no regrets.
I could go on and on with all the different things that God is revealing to me and laying on my heart. I am beyond blessed with the opportunity to play the game I love (baseball), grow in Christ, and spend the summer in the prettiest place I have ever been. God is SO good! I am also living with my uncle which has been really great to get to know him a little better. It is crazy how the Lord works. There is one last thing, and it is something I hate doing more than anything and that is asking for money. This is a mission trip so I had to raise a certain amount of money to be able to make this trip possible. The team's funds are short a little over $20,000, and I am short on my part. I have raised $1,150 and I needed to raise $3,850. This covers travel expenses, food, stay, airfare, team expenses etc. I can't thank the people enough who have already donated and I don't expect you to give anymore, but if you haven't please consider investing in my time in Alaska. People are hearing the gospel and God is doing some great things in and through my teammates and I. You can donate at the following link https://my.athletesinaction.org/user/event/Alaska-41493.aspx my code is 21588. Every little bit counts and if you can't donate please keep my team and I in your prayers.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on Earth."
-Matt
Friday, June 8, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Shining through the darkness
I have had a rough couple of months. My faith was tested to say the least when I had one of the most important things taken away from me, baseball. I have played this game my entire life. It has brought me to many places (Including Liberty). Things have not gone my way this year with an injury, and trying to come back and want to be a part of my team. I want more than anything to make a contribution to the team. I have never been satisfied with my accomplishments. I set goals, reach them, and set more. There is only one team that finishes the year with a win. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord has given me the gift and desire to play this game. I also know that before I knew the Lord that this game was the center of my life. My identity was a baseball player. I ask you to ask your self the question. What is your identity? When people hear your name, what do they think? How do they define you? Anybody who has ever played with me would not question my passion for the game of baseball, but when it comes down to it the Lord has revealed to me this year that I must follow his plan, not my own. I completely took foregranted the privelage I have to play this game. I also know now that my identity should be in Christ. A friend told me recently that if I was as passionate about the Lord and pursuing him as much as I was about baseball then my relationship with Christ would be something else. He was right. I have thought a lot about this, and it really convicted me. I can't control my short comings on the baseball field. I can't control my physical limitations. I can't throw 96 MPH. Some times I can't control my fastball, and other times I can't command my offspeed. I can control my walk with the Lord, and putting all my faith and trust in him no matter what the circumstances are in my life. It is silly to get so wrapped up in the things of this world. We can't allow our own desires and goals to come before our relationship with Christ. We must surrender our heart and soul to him and he will open doors and plant desires that we never would have imagined. He will use you for a purpose that has eternal value. As I look back on how much the Lord has worked in me throughout this year I am amazed. I have come such a long ways, and I am a completely different person. I give Jesus Christ all the credit for this tranformation. It is nothing I did, but it is Chirst in me who has given me this new heart and renewed mind. I am not perfect, and this trial has not been handled the right way on my part. I didn't trust God at first with this scenario, but I have quickly turned back to him. I am trying my best to trust him now, and I am so thankful for the merciful God that will always be there for a surrendered heart.
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life -- in order that I may boast in the way of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Phillipians 2:14-16
I was grumbling about my situation. I was questioning why God was allowing this to happen to me, but he tells me to do all things without grumbling or questioning so that I may be his blameless and innocent child. We live in a crooked and twisted generation. Turn on the t.v. Turn on the radio. Our culture has got it all wrong. I can't scroll through my news feed on facebook without seeing an outfit or a status that will allow an evil thought or image to enter my mind. If we trust the Lord then we will shine like stars in the universe if we live out and trust his word. Stars shine 24/7, but you can only see their brilliance in darkness. Sometimes God allows the circumstances in your life to go dark so he can shine forth his brilliance in your life. I am now thankful that I can't control a lot of things in my life because I am SO MUCH more thankful now in the truth that the creator of the universe is in control of everything. What I think is important compared to what God knows is important is pretty foolish compared to his wisdom.
"They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." Phillipians 2:21
The only way to make your interests God's interests is faith in Jesus Christ. Through a relationship with him, and allowing the word of God to renew your mind is the only way to experience sanctification. My biggest passion should be my relationship with Jesus Christ because that is the only thing that is ultimate.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
When you are going through a tough time remember God's promises, and trust him. He is the only thing that is always faithful. Believe that with all your heart, and if Jesus isn't the Love of your life then you haven't experienced true love. If you aren't looking towards God you are looking in all the wrong places. Allow God to shine through the darkness and trust him with whatever circumstance you are going through.
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life -- in order that I may boast in the way of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Phillipians 2:14-16
I was grumbling about my situation. I was questioning why God was allowing this to happen to me, but he tells me to do all things without grumbling or questioning so that I may be his blameless and innocent child. We live in a crooked and twisted generation. Turn on the t.v. Turn on the radio. Our culture has got it all wrong. I can't scroll through my news feed on facebook without seeing an outfit or a status that will allow an evil thought or image to enter my mind. If we trust the Lord then we will shine like stars in the universe if we live out and trust his word. Stars shine 24/7, but you can only see their brilliance in darkness. Sometimes God allows the circumstances in your life to go dark so he can shine forth his brilliance in your life. I am now thankful that I can't control a lot of things in my life because I am SO MUCH more thankful now in the truth that the creator of the universe is in control of everything. What I think is important compared to what God knows is important is pretty foolish compared to his wisdom.
"They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." Phillipians 2:21
The only way to make your interests God's interests is faith in Jesus Christ. Through a relationship with him, and allowing the word of God to renew your mind is the only way to experience sanctification. My biggest passion should be my relationship with Jesus Christ because that is the only thing that is ultimate.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
When you are going through a tough time remember God's promises, and trust him. He is the only thing that is always faithful. Believe that with all your heart, and if Jesus isn't the Love of your life then you haven't experienced true love. If you aren't looking towards God you are looking in all the wrong places. Allow God to shine through the darkness and trust him with whatever circumstance you are going through.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Sex is Good but Love is Better
I want to start by saying thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I am so encouraged to hear how God is able to use it to encourage others. My prayer for every entry is for you to see that my words are inspired by a heart that Jesus Christ has completely transformed. I don't look down on anyone who is in that dark place right now, and who couldn't feel more distant from the Lord because I know the feeling. It is by the Grace of God that my heart was changed, and I was given a new life. God has laid it on my heart for a while to write about this, but I will admit that I was kind of nervous to do so. Obedience brings blessings, and I hope that the Lord is able to speak to you through this entry.
The topic I am going to talk about is pre-marital sex, and I know when some people hear that they automatically want to let it go one ear and out the other. Before I was a believer that was the issue that I couldn't understand. I used to mock people who saved theirselves for marriage before I was a believer. It is the truth. The first thing guys ask me now when they know how important my Faith is to me is, "So you are telling me you don't have sex?" We live in a sex-driven culture. Our culture has desensitized sex so much that is has become a sense of recreation. My eyes are opened to how corrupt our culture is now. All the movies, music, and entertainment is all about sexuality. No wonder I was so blinded by the Truth before I knew the Lord. I am telling you right now, as a born-again Christian, my past with participating in sex before marriage is one of my biggest regrets. I now understand the importance of saving myself. Once I made that decision to have sex it changed everything. I lost my purity, and opened up a temptaion that might be the hardest to overcome. The shame and guilt I feel for how I selfishly treated women is something that I have not gotten over so it is hard for me to write about it right now. If you are reading this, and I have hurt you then I can't express to you enough how sorry I am. I was completely oblivious of the hurt I was causing in your life as well as mine.
It breaks my heart to know that I didn't save myself for the woman that I will spend the rest of my life with. It breaks my heart that our honeymoon will not be as special as it could have been if I were to wait for her because she would have been beyond worth it. Something that is powerful enough to create a living, feeling, and breathing life is something I did just to seek some sense of pleasure. My heart was so hardened to what I was doing. Please take this to heart when you hear the Truth about how God intended for us to carry out a Godly relationship. I know for me personally it is hard to pick out a hand full of people who have biblical standings on pre-marital sex.
We are all one being. We can't seperate our spiritual side with a flesh side. They both go hand in had, and you can't bounce back and forth between the two and expect to have a healthy spiritual life. We either thrive spirtually and are able to overcome the desires of our flesh, or we can give into the desires of our flesh and we will deprive ourselves spiritually. If you are taking part in sex before marriage and you are trying to justify it then you are causing one of God's greatest gifts to become very destructive. God intends for us to do things a certain way for a reason. Don't let the ways of this would strip away the significance of something that God can make mean so much more.
"Or do you now know that he who is joined to a prostitue becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, The Two will become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexual immoral person sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:16-18
These verses give a powerful representation for how serious sexual immorality is. When you are joined with another partner then you two become one flesh and you will leave a piece of yourself each time. Sexual immorality is the only sin that a person sins against their own body. Don't desensitize the power of sex. It can be an amazing thing when it is done in a way that God intended. Don't drag God's design through the mud. He wants the best for us, and allow God to open your eyes and change your heart. I didn't come to this realization on my own. By surrendering my life to Christ I was given understanding and a new heart. A life viewed through God's eyes is so much more beautiful and meaningful. God wants us to live our lives to its full potential, and that includes the power of sex with your true love who God unites in Holy matrimony. Don't expect to do things in an imperfect way and expect to get perfect results. God is the perfector so allow him to perfect you. Our God is a God of mercy. Seek the Lord for every area of your life, and don't get discouraged if you are in a situation where you feel hopeless. I pray that you are convicted through this, and through that conviction you will surrender this area of your life to the Lord. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." -Matthew 5:8 Allow God to give you a pure heart because you will see him.
Lord there is no greater miracle than the power you have to deliever someone from death and to give them life. Thank you so much for giving me life. Lord I pray that I see sexual immorality for what it is, and how destrucitve it can be to a heart that you designed to be a certain way. Allow my heart to work the way you designed it to. Thank you for the amazing gift of being able to experience love with another person. I know a love done the way you intended will not disappoint or seperate. True Love is only found through the creator of Love, and that is you Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Matt
The topic I am going to talk about is pre-marital sex, and I know when some people hear that they automatically want to let it go one ear and out the other. Before I was a believer that was the issue that I couldn't understand. I used to mock people who saved theirselves for marriage before I was a believer. It is the truth. The first thing guys ask me now when they know how important my Faith is to me is, "So you are telling me you don't have sex?" We live in a sex-driven culture. Our culture has desensitized sex so much that is has become a sense of recreation. My eyes are opened to how corrupt our culture is now. All the movies, music, and entertainment is all about sexuality. No wonder I was so blinded by the Truth before I knew the Lord. I am telling you right now, as a born-again Christian, my past with participating in sex before marriage is one of my biggest regrets. I now understand the importance of saving myself. Once I made that decision to have sex it changed everything. I lost my purity, and opened up a temptaion that might be the hardest to overcome. The shame and guilt I feel for how I selfishly treated women is something that I have not gotten over so it is hard for me to write about it right now. If you are reading this, and I have hurt you then I can't express to you enough how sorry I am. I was completely oblivious of the hurt I was causing in your life as well as mine.
It breaks my heart to know that I didn't save myself for the woman that I will spend the rest of my life with. It breaks my heart that our honeymoon will not be as special as it could have been if I were to wait for her because she would have been beyond worth it. Something that is powerful enough to create a living, feeling, and breathing life is something I did just to seek some sense of pleasure. My heart was so hardened to what I was doing. Please take this to heart when you hear the Truth about how God intended for us to carry out a Godly relationship. I know for me personally it is hard to pick out a hand full of people who have biblical standings on pre-marital sex.
We are all one being. We can't seperate our spiritual side with a flesh side. They both go hand in had, and you can't bounce back and forth between the two and expect to have a healthy spiritual life. We either thrive spirtually and are able to overcome the desires of our flesh, or we can give into the desires of our flesh and we will deprive ourselves spiritually. If you are taking part in sex before marriage and you are trying to justify it then you are causing one of God's greatest gifts to become very destructive. God intends for us to do things a certain way for a reason. Don't let the ways of this would strip away the significance of something that God can make mean so much more.
"Or do you now know that he who is joined to a prostitue becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, The Two will become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexual immoral person sins against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:16-18
These verses give a powerful representation for how serious sexual immorality is. When you are joined with another partner then you two become one flesh and you will leave a piece of yourself each time. Sexual immorality is the only sin that a person sins against their own body. Don't desensitize the power of sex. It can be an amazing thing when it is done in a way that God intended. Don't drag God's design through the mud. He wants the best for us, and allow God to open your eyes and change your heart. I didn't come to this realization on my own. By surrendering my life to Christ I was given understanding and a new heart. A life viewed through God's eyes is so much more beautiful and meaningful. God wants us to live our lives to its full potential, and that includes the power of sex with your true love who God unites in Holy matrimony. Don't expect to do things in an imperfect way and expect to get perfect results. God is the perfector so allow him to perfect you. Our God is a God of mercy. Seek the Lord for every area of your life, and don't get discouraged if you are in a situation where you feel hopeless. I pray that you are convicted through this, and through that conviction you will surrender this area of your life to the Lord. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." -Matthew 5:8 Allow God to give you a pure heart because you will see him.
Lord there is no greater miracle than the power you have to deliever someone from death and to give them life. Thank you so much for giving me life. Lord I pray that I see sexual immorality for what it is, and how destrucitve it can be to a heart that you designed to be a certain way. Allow my heart to work the way you designed it to. Thank you for the amazing gift of being able to experience love with another person. I know a love done the way you intended will not disappoint or seperate. True Love is only found through the creator of Love, and that is you Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Matt
Saturday, February 25, 2012
True Love
I was leaving the Liberty basketball game today, and I was passing a classroom with a group of students who were just singing songs and worshiping our perfect God. I walked right in a joined with praising the Lord. How amazing is that! I couldn't be more thankful to be where I am at. So I will just give some of the people back home an example of some of the assignments I get to do here at Liberty. I absolutely love what I am blessed to be exposed to everyday at Liberty University. I just copied and pasted an assignment I had to do for my biblical worldview class. I had to address a biblical worldview on marriage.
The worldview application that I chose to talk about is marriage. I was deprived of a Christ-centered marriage with my family, and to start to learn now what a Christ-centered marriage is supposed to be like is really encouraging. A biblical worldview marriage is the closest thing we can come to on this Earth with Jesus Christ’s unfailing love towards us in our relationship with him. That sets a marriage to a pretty high standard as a follower of Christ. A worldly worldview explains marriage as just a feeling towards someone, and when that feeling wears off it is acceptable to end that marriage. A worldly marriage is selfish love. It is loving with the satisfaction of being loved. The world’s love is all about how we feel with our needs being met. It is centered around romance until that romance wears off. True love is the only thing that has eternal value, and that kind of love can only be found through Jesus Christ.
5 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16 I think this is an amazing interpretation of a marriage done the way God has intended. Jesus Christ should be the head of the marriage, and when two people make a covenant to God through marriage they become one flesh. All the parts are joined together, and work together through the love of Christ. Marriage with a biblical worldview does not desensitize the commitment involved in marriage. Jesus Christ’s love for us is unconditional, and this should also be applied to a relationship empowered by God. Nothing we ever do will make God love us any less, and this type of faithfulness should be applied to a significant other. God’s love for us is completely selfless, and there is nothing we can do to pay him back for the unfailing love he has shown us. I pray that I can be just as faithful with the love I pour out to my spouse one day because that is Love.
One-third of Christian marriages still end in divorce, but this is because they never reach their potential. God’s dedication to love us continues even when we choose to deny his love he still seeks after us. I want this sort of dedication with my marriage, and who wouldn’t? Another thing to look at in marriage is the complete exposure that is involved in this sort of commitment. You will be exposed to everything when it comes to your spouse. You will see the worst sides of each other along with the best. I feel like we should take the same approach with our spouse as we do with God. There is nothing you can hide from God, and when you don’t address something in your life that is holding you back spiritually it can really deprive you of your spirituality. This should be handled the same way with your love, and if you want that love to be true love then you should address everything in the same fashion. Don’t let any sort of unaddressed feeling, situation, flaw, secret etc. no matter how bad it is, deprive you of a healthy relationship. Through God is the only way to experience true love. True love is eternal love, and that kind of love is always faithful through any kind of adversity life throws your way. A marriage with the foundation of God will grow more beautifully that you could ever imagine, and I can’t wait to experience a love empowered by the only true lover, Jesus Christ! And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Lord, your unfailing love is amazing. Thank you for showing me what true love is, and I pray right now that you will continue to mold me into a godly man. True love is eternal love Lord, and I know that is only experienced through you. I pray that true love will be reflected in every relationship I have even when sometimes it can become difficult. I pray that the love that you have overwhelmed me with will be the same overwhelming love that I can show to others. Lord prepare me to show selfless love, and I can't wait to have you lead my own family one day Lord. Thank you so much for the blessings you have poured into my life, and I want you to be glorified in everything I do. Thank you for your perfect love.
Amen
Blessings,
Matt
Monday, February 6, 2012
God is Always Faithful!
It is a hard to fathom that our God is faithful 100% of the time. 10 times out of 10. If we discipline ourselves to his ways then our lives will reflect Godliness. My vulnerability to sin becomes very apparent to me whenever I am not committing myself fully into the Lord. Being a Christian isn't about living right, posting "Christian on facebook under religious beliefs, and telling yourself yeah I believe in God. IT IS A RELATIONSHIP! How do you think your relationship with a significant other would work if you put as much time into it as you did with God. How would your GF/BF feel if you only opened up to them as much as you opened up your Bible? How would she/he would feel if you talked to them only as much as you prayed to God? How strong of a relationship would that be? I know it is a silly comparison, but think about it.
Everything I write in this blog are things I am trying to apply to my life. It will blow your mind with how God will work in your life when you are staying in his word, and passionately praying to him. I always thought it would be impossible for me to overcome the sin I had in my life before I knew Jesus. I now know that through Jesus I can overcome the sin in my life. Through Jesus sin is revealed, and I now know what it means to have life and what it means to not experience life. I am not a crazy person. This is real. I am writing this because I want everyone to experience the life that God can give them because WOW. Below is a verse we broke down in church yesterday.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine for that is debauchery, but be filled with the spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ" -Ephesians 5:15-21
I think we can all be in agreement that the world we live in is pretty dang evil. I will try to be a practical as I can with this verse. You can either live a foolish life or you could be wise. You have to understand the will of the Lord. And do not get drunk of wine because that is debauchery. Debauchery means excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. It is saying do not seek a spiritual experience through alcohol, drugs (including pot because yes that does alter your mind), sex, money, and other earthly pleasures. All those things will never be enough. Be filled with the spirit of God! That is experiencing something that is truly spiritual, and is always faithful. The Holy Spirit will make your life holy, and your life will be blessed. Being filled with the spirit will pour love into your life. You will be experiencing something so wonderful that your life will be one of praise. Praise for a life that God has given us. A life not the way our wicked culture tells us to live, but a life that an almighty God commands us to live. It's for our own good because God can't be present in a life full of sin. What is amazing is how merciful Jesus Christ is, and what he did for us. How through his death we can be given life. The grace through that is something that will never lose it's significance to me. We truly begin to live whenever we trade in our old life for the new one that God can give us!
"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more" Hebrews 8:12
If we pour our hearts and souls into the Lord then our lives will reflect Godliness and Holiness. Yes, nobody is perfect, but through an obedience to God we can live lives that reflect the presence of God. I need to stay in the word of God and apply the scripture to every aspect of my life. I need to passionately pray to my God because he is always faithful, and anything asked in Faith and by his will can be answered. Most importantly I need to live in praise for the Grace that he has shown me. Praise God! Let's pray.
Lord thank you for always being faithful. I pray that I will apply your will to my life in every area of my life. God I pray for discipline to spend time in your word and in prayer because I know how essential that is to really experience you. God use me as a tool for your glory. I pray that my life will reflect Godliness so I am capable of being used for your purposes. I pray that you will touch hearts through this blog, and that the inspiration is from you Lord and you are given all the glory. I am a fool without the spirit of the Lord. Thank you for giving me life, and I praise you for who you are. God my heart beats in my chest for the Love, Joy, Peace, and Faithfulness that you have showed it. Thank you so much, and allow me to see you for who you really are Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Your Brother in Christ,
Matt
Everything I write in this blog are things I am trying to apply to my life. It will blow your mind with how God will work in your life when you are staying in his word, and passionately praying to him. I always thought it would be impossible for me to overcome the sin I had in my life before I knew Jesus. I now know that through Jesus I can overcome the sin in my life. Through Jesus sin is revealed, and I now know what it means to have life and what it means to not experience life. I am not a crazy person. This is real. I am writing this because I want everyone to experience the life that God can give them because WOW. Below is a verse we broke down in church yesterday.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine for that is debauchery, but be filled with the spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ" -Ephesians 5:15-21
I think we can all be in agreement that the world we live in is pretty dang evil. I will try to be a practical as I can with this verse. You can either live a foolish life or you could be wise. You have to understand the will of the Lord. And do not get drunk of wine because that is debauchery. Debauchery means excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. It is saying do not seek a spiritual experience through alcohol, drugs (including pot because yes that does alter your mind), sex, money, and other earthly pleasures. All those things will never be enough. Be filled with the spirit of God! That is experiencing something that is truly spiritual, and is always faithful. The Holy Spirit will make your life holy, and your life will be blessed. Being filled with the spirit will pour love into your life. You will be experiencing something so wonderful that your life will be one of praise. Praise for a life that God has given us. A life not the way our wicked culture tells us to live, but a life that an almighty God commands us to live. It's for our own good because God can't be present in a life full of sin. What is amazing is how merciful Jesus Christ is, and what he did for us. How through his death we can be given life. The grace through that is something that will never lose it's significance to me. We truly begin to live whenever we trade in our old life for the new one that God can give us!
"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more" Hebrews 8:12
If we pour our hearts and souls into the Lord then our lives will reflect Godliness and Holiness. Yes, nobody is perfect, but through an obedience to God we can live lives that reflect the presence of God. I need to stay in the word of God and apply the scripture to every aspect of my life. I need to passionately pray to my God because he is always faithful, and anything asked in Faith and by his will can be answered. Most importantly I need to live in praise for the Grace that he has shown me. Praise God! Let's pray.
Lord thank you for always being faithful. I pray that I will apply your will to my life in every area of my life. God I pray for discipline to spend time in your word and in prayer because I know how essential that is to really experience you. God use me as a tool for your glory. I pray that my life will reflect Godliness so I am capable of being used for your purposes. I pray that you will touch hearts through this blog, and that the inspiration is from you Lord and you are given all the glory. I am a fool without the spirit of the Lord. Thank you for giving me life, and I praise you for who you are. God my heart beats in my chest for the Love, Joy, Peace, and Faithfulness that you have showed it. Thank you so much, and allow me to see you for who you really are Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Your Brother in Christ,
Matt
Friday, January 27, 2012
What is you relationship with the Devil?
So if you are reading this I hope the title caught your attention. That was the intention. This is the question that a speaker at Liberty this morning, Miles McPherson, asked us during convocation. The question was a pretty bold one, and it got me locked in so I hope it locks you in too. There are God's friends, and there are God's enemies. Some people are on one side, and some on the other. There are some people who are jumping back in forth between the two sides. It is a fact that the deciever, the Devil, is going to tempt you. We all have a relationship with the Devil, but where do you stand with that relationship?
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
Satan's intention is to seperate us from God. He wants to destroy us, and he ultimately wants to lead us to death. He wants sin to corrupt our lives, and he wants our hearts to be hardened. Getting wasted, getting high, sex as recreation, and pride are all things that he wants in your life to turn you away from God. He wants you to think that your life is about you, and that it is all about, "living it to the fullest", through all those things that I listed above. He is going to do everything he can to convince you of something different than what he even knows is true, that Jesus Christ is Lord.
"Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped on the land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, what have you to do with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." Luke 8:26-28
Even the demons declare that Jesus is Lord. They bow down because they know his authourity. Through the authority of Jesus we too can have authority over Satan in our lives. Jesus gives us the power through the Holy Spirit to put Satan in his place, and to live a holy life becasue a holy life reflects the presence of God. I heard Miles McPherson ask this question today, and it got be thinking. Is your life spontaneous enough to reveal the presence of a powerful God?
"Resist him, firm in your Faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all Grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm strength, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Our struggles we go through during the little amount of time we have on this Earth are nothing compared to the glory we will experience with God in heaven and for eternity! I can't fathom eternity. God promise's to restore, confirm strength, and to establish you if you put your faith in him. So I ask you again. What is your relationship with Satan? The presence of him through our everyday life is pretty evident. We are all going to experience temptation, but are we going to put our faith in Jesus to overcome his evil? There was something else that Miles said that I thought was pretty cool. If you turn on a light the darkness disappears. If you have electricity, light bulb, and a switch then you can eliminate the darkness. There is nothing that is faster than light except for the darkness that flees from it when you turn on that light. So what is stopping you from turning on the light in your life right now? You can overcome the evil you will face in this world through Jesus Christ our Lord. He died so that we could overcome it, and he rose again to empower us to have authority over the presence of Satan in our lives during our time in this world. So here is a verse that gives me chills.
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Take what Jesus can offer you. Let him be the light of your life, and shine out all the darkness that causes you so much pain. Jesus can give you life, and the power to overcome. Don't wait any longer. Turn to God right now, and accept his eternal gift. He will shine his light on all the darkness in your life and darkness will surely flee as fast as the light appears. Let's pray.
Jesus thank you for saving me. I give you my life because You laid down your life for me. Thank you for being the Almighty God you are, and giving me the power to overcome Satan. I want to live a life that shows the presence of a Holy God. I want everything I do to glorify you, and to shine light in the darkest places of this Earth with the power you give me. Thank you for being the faithful God you are, and for showing me mercy. I can't wait to spend eternity with you, and all your Glory, but until then I dedicate the little time I have with this life to you Lord. AMEN
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
Satan's intention is to seperate us from God. He wants to destroy us, and he ultimately wants to lead us to death. He wants sin to corrupt our lives, and he wants our hearts to be hardened. Getting wasted, getting high, sex as recreation, and pride are all things that he wants in your life to turn you away from God. He wants you to think that your life is about you, and that it is all about, "living it to the fullest", through all those things that I listed above. He is going to do everything he can to convince you of something different than what he even knows is true, that Jesus Christ is Lord.
"Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped on the land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, what have you to do with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." Luke 8:26-28
Even the demons declare that Jesus is Lord. They bow down because they know his authourity. Through the authority of Jesus we too can have authority over Satan in our lives. Jesus gives us the power through the Holy Spirit to put Satan in his place, and to live a holy life becasue a holy life reflects the presence of God. I heard Miles McPherson ask this question today, and it got be thinking. Is your life spontaneous enough to reveal the presence of a powerful God?
"Resist him, firm in your Faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all Grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm strength, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Our struggles we go through during the little amount of time we have on this Earth are nothing compared to the glory we will experience with God in heaven and for eternity! I can't fathom eternity. God promise's to restore, confirm strength, and to establish you if you put your faith in him. So I ask you again. What is your relationship with Satan? The presence of him through our everyday life is pretty evident. We are all going to experience temptation, but are we going to put our faith in Jesus to overcome his evil? There was something else that Miles said that I thought was pretty cool. If you turn on a light the darkness disappears. If you have electricity, light bulb, and a switch then you can eliminate the darkness. There is nothing that is faster than light except for the darkness that flees from it when you turn on that light. So what is stopping you from turning on the light in your life right now? You can overcome the evil you will face in this world through Jesus Christ our Lord. He died so that we could overcome it, and he rose again to empower us to have authority over the presence of Satan in our lives during our time in this world. So here is a verse that gives me chills.
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Take what Jesus can offer you. Let him be the light of your life, and shine out all the darkness that causes you so much pain. Jesus can give you life, and the power to overcome. Don't wait any longer. Turn to God right now, and accept his eternal gift. He will shine his light on all the darkness in your life and darkness will surely flee as fast as the light appears. Let's pray.
Jesus thank you for saving me. I give you my life because You laid down your life for me. Thank you for being the Almighty God you are, and giving me the power to overcome Satan. I want to live a life that shows the presence of a Holy God. I want everything I do to glorify you, and to shine light in the darkest places of this Earth with the power you give me. Thank you for being the faithful God you are, and for showing me mercy. I can't wait to spend eternity with you, and all your Glory, but until then I dedicate the little time I have with this life to you Lord. AMEN
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A New and Better Life
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me."
-John 14:6
Jesus is the only way to God. There is no other way to experience God. I am begging you not to miss out on all that God has to offer. I am committing my life to spreading the Good News because there is nothing greater than helping someone establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. God is Love. Here is a passage that I want to share, and I hope that you won't just skim through it, but you will really read it. This is the inspired word of God, and if there is anything that is truly inspiring in the world we live in today it is God. This is a passage on Christian Living.
"Put to Death therefore what is earthly in you: Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these things you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
-Colossians 3:5-10
You say, "I am innocent; surely his anger has turned from me." Behold I will bring you to judgement for saying I have not sinned.
-Jeremiah 3:24-25
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving eachtother; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these put on Love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and thankfulness in your hearts for God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him."
-Colossians 3:12-17
I don't know about you, but I am fascinated with scripture. There is not a doubt in my mind that those words are inspired by God, and those words are how we should live. I mean imagine how wonderful our lives would be if we applied the scripture to our lives. We will all be judged by God, and if we chose to live a self-centered life then we will face the wrath of God. This is not God's intention. He loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. Following Jesus is so much more than just following some rules. God loves us and wants the best for us. Just like any loving father would. If you were to raise a family wouldn't you want to apply all the principles above to your home. I know I would! Maybe you ask the question, If God loves us so much then why have suffering in the world? Maybe you are angry at God for something you went through or are going through. You might think that God knows nothing about what it means to suffer. What price would you have God pay for his failure to do more for his people facing suffering and evil? Would you inflict capital punishment on him? You are too Late! Jesus came to this Earth, lived a perfect life, and died for you and me. His purpose was to save people, yet he refused to save himself because he had a purpose. God sent Jesus to die for our sins, and to put to death our sinful nature through faith in him. It is by his Grace that we are no longer seperated from God.
God has suffering in this world for a reason. Suffering reminds us that we are in a fallen world, and the only thing that can make sense to the suffering we are inflicted with is having a relationship with God. It is shared suffering, and God can use suffering to bring us closer to him. Suffering reminds us that we are not in control, but God surely is. When I didn't know God I tried my hardest to make sense of things, and just about all my suffering I brought on myself living in sin. It is by Faith that we are redeemed. We are not promised tomorrow, and God is the only one who can provide us with something that has eternal value. What is stopping you from recieving it? Jesus Christ gives us Grace and salvation. If we put our faith in God he will bless our lives. God in not a lucky charm. A true Christian understands that you don't win all the time. You live for the glory or God or you die for the glory of God. You will be rejected by the evil ways of this world as a Christian. The rejection you face will not be forgotten. God will judge everyone in the end. Our suffering will be worth it. He will give us the Holy Spirit, and we will live lives that are out of this world, literally. We will do things that only God can inspire. Don't wait any longer. Allow God to give you life. This life is not about us, it is about God our father. We will live a prosperous life on this Earth full of Love, and we will spend eternity with God the father in Heaven if we only put our faith in him.
Lord, I pray that you will use me as a tool to show people the Truth. I pray that these words aren't just read, but they are applied to my life. God I know that if I control my own destiny I will lead myself into destruction. I know that I won't experience a life that is worth living. I want to have eternal value Lord, and I want my life to be pleasing to you. I want to grow closer to you Lord. I can't put your Love into words. Help me to Love like you have loved me. Thank you so much for giving me life, mercy, and forgiveness. I owe my life to you. Holy spirit fill my life! Amen
Let God bless you life on this Earth and the next,
Matt Marsh
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
-John 14:6
Jesus is the only way to God. There is no other way to experience God. I am begging you not to miss out on all that God has to offer. I am committing my life to spreading the Good News because there is nothing greater than helping someone establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. God is Love. Here is a passage that I want to share, and I hope that you won't just skim through it, but you will really read it. This is the inspired word of God, and if there is anything that is truly inspiring in the world we live in today it is God. This is a passage on Christian Living.
"Put to Death therefore what is earthly in you: Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these things you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
-Colossians 3:5-10
You say, "I am innocent; surely his anger has turned from me." Behold I will bring you to judgement for saying I have not sinned.
-Jeremiah 3:24-25
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving eachtother; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these put on Love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and thankfulness in your hearts for God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him."
-Colossians 3:12-17
I don't know about you, but I am fascinated with scripture. There is not a doubt in my mind that those words are inspired by God, and those words are how we should live. I mean imagine how wonderful our lives would be if we applied the scripture to our lives. We will all be judged by God, and if we chose to live a self-centered life then we will face the wrath of God. This is not God's intention. He loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. Following Jesus is so much more than just following some rules. God loves us and wants the best for us. Just like any loving father would. If you were to raise a family wouldn't you want to apply all the principles above to your home. I know I would! Maybe you ask the question, If God loves us so much then why have suffering in the world? Maybe you are angry at God for something you went through or are going through. You might think that God knows nothing about what it means to suffer. What price would you have God pay for his failure to do more for his people facing suffering and evil? Would you inflict capital punishment on him? You are too Late! Jesus came to this Earth, lived a perfect life, and died for you and me. His purpose was to save people, yet he refused to save himself because he had a purpose. God sent Jesus to die for our sins, and to put to death our sinful nature through faith in him. It is by his Grace that we are no longer seperated from God.
God has suffering in this world for a reason. Suffering reminds us that we are in a fallen world, and the only thing that can make sense to the suffering we are inflicted with is having a relationship with God. It is shared suffering, and God can use suffering to bring us closer to him. Suffering reminds us that we are not in control, but God surely is. When I didn't know God I tried my hardest to make sense of things, and just about all my suffering I brought on myself living in sin. It is by Faith that we are redeemed. We are not promised tomorrow, and God is the only one who can provide us with something that has eternal value. What is stopping you from recieving it? Jesus Christ gives us Grace and salvation. If we put our faith in God he will bless our lives. God in not a lucky charm. A true Christian understands that you don't win all the time. You live for the glory or God or you die for the glory of God. You will be rejected by the evil ways of this world as a Christian. The rejection you face will not be forgotten. God will judge everyone in the end. Our suffering will be worth it. He will give us the Holy Spirit, and we will live lives that are out of this world, literally. We will do things that only God can inspire. Don't wait any longer. Allow God to give you life. This life is not about us, it is about God our father. We will live a prosperous life on this Earth full of Love, and we will spend eternity with God the father in Heaven if we only put our faith in him.
Lord, I pray that you will use me as a tool to show people the Truth. I pray that these words aren't just read, but they are applied to my life. God I know that if I control my own destiny I will lead myself into destruction. I know that I won't experience a life that is worth living. I want to have eternal value Lord, and I want my life to be pleasing to you. I want to grow closer to you Lord. I can't put your Love into words. Help me to Love like you have loved me. Thank you so much for giving me life, mercy, and forgiveness. I owe my life to you. Holy spirit fill my life! Amen
Let God bless you life on this Earth and the next,
Matt Marsh
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Our Purpose
"All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." -Proverbs 13:20-21
This is the latest thing that God has showed me. It is not always pleasant for God to shine light on the darkness in my life, but it 100% necessary. For the first time in my walk with God, he has revealed to me what is going to allow me to experience true intimacy with him. Here is a statement that caused me to weep. There is no greater thing in this life than allowing God to build me up for a purpose, and being used for that purpose. When I heard this I cried, and I am not a bit ashamed to admit it. I know in today's culture we are supposed to harden out hearts, and there is little Love and compassion shown. It is even hard to show real Love and compassion in our own families. Without God there is no true Love. I believe that with all my heart. That is something that I have experienced throughout my walk with God. I have never felt like this, loved like this, and was able to forgive people who had hurt me in my life without the grace of god.
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it is melted within my chest." Psalms 22:14
My heart was hardened before I met Jesus. Even when I first decided to follow Christ, my perception was all wrong on what his will was for my life. It is not just about me, it is about what God can do through me. God's desires are now my desires, and when I read his word I take that to heart. They used to be just words to me, and now the Holy Spirit have turned them into words that plant desires in my heart that are pleasing to God, and allow me to experience God in ways that I can't put into words. My perception of what it meant to follow Christ was all twisted. I thought it was just about going to church, living a life without sin, no premarital sex, drunkedness, and ultimately just being weird. That is how a Christian caught up in the man-altered way of following Christ made it seem like. I have met few Christians who really are 100% committed to living a life that carries out God's purpose for them. People take that verse out of context. "Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established" It is not commit your works to the Lord and YOUR plans will be established. If you really commit your works to the Lord then his plans for your life will be established. I believe the creator of the universes plans for your life are far greater than anything that we could think of ourselves. In our culture it is about having swag, being financially stable, having a nice home, having a great spouse, a family, and acheiving some respectable accomplishments. I am not saying all this is wrong, but thats not what living is all about. After this life when you are face to face with Jesus, and he asks you did you do all you could do to advance my kingdom? What are you going to say? If you are only worried about your own salvation, your own life, and the people directly in it then you are not experiencing God, and ultimately you are turning away people from Jesus beause Jesus calls us to do so much more.
I am saying this because I am done living a comfortable life. I am done living a life chasing dreams that in no way show God's glory. When I do something from here on out I will do it to advance God's kingdom. I will live a biblical life, and that doesn't stop at living a righteouss one. It starts there. God can do great things through me and anyone else who is willing to allow him to work through you. At the end of my life I want it to be known that I was different, and that it wasn't great in the World's eyes, but it was great in God's eyes. Don't kill yourself trying to live a life pleasing everyone because you can't do it. You can live a life that can please God and oh man is that a life worth living. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and for anyone else who commits to him. I am so grateful for the grace he has showed me. For showing me Love. For showing me how to live. For giving me a life that has meaning. We have an amazing God. Don't miss out on all that he can offer you.
Lord thank you for your grace. I pray that you will give me the courage to stand apart, and to spread your love. I want your desires to be mine, and I really want to know your will for my life. I want to live a life that reflects the presence of an infinite God living inside me. The greatest thing I can do in this life Lord is to have you build me up for a purpose and to be used for that purpose. Lord use me. Thank you for giving me life. Amen
May your plans be established,
Matt
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
This is the latest thing that God has showed me. It is not always pleasant for God to shine light on the darkness in my life, but it 100% necessary. For the first time in my walk with God, he has revealed to me what is going to allow me to experience true intimacy with him. Here is a statement that caused me to weep. There is no greater thing in this life than allowing God to build me up for a purpose, and being used for that purpose. When I heard this I cried, and I am not a bit ashamed to admit it. I know in today's culture we are supposed to harden out hearts, and there is little Love and compassion shown. It is even hard to show real Love and compassion in our own families. Without God there is no true Love. I believe that with all my heart. That is something that I have experienced throughout my walk with God. I have never felt like this, loved like this, and was able to forgive people who had hurt me in my life without the grace of god.
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it is melted within my chest." Psalms 22:14
My heart was hardened before I met Jesus. Even when I first decided to follow Christ, my perception was all wrong on what his will was for my life. It is not just about me, it is about what God can do through me. God's desires are now my desires, and when I read his word I take that to heart. They used to be just words to me, and now the Holy Spirit have turned them into words that plant desires in my heart that are pleasing to God, and allow me to experience God in ways that I can't put into words. My perception of what it meant to follow Christ was all twisted. I thought it was just about going to church, living a life without sin, no premarital sex, drunkedness, and ultimately just being weird. That is how a Christian caught up in the man-altered way of following Christ made it seem like. I have met few Christians who really are 100% committed to living a life that carries out God's purpose for them. People take that verse out of context. "Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established" It is not commit your works to the Lord and YOUR plans will be established. If you really commit your works to the Lord then his plans for your life will be established. I believe the creator of the universes plans for your life are far greater than anything that we could think of ourselves. In our culture it is about having swag, being financially stable, having a nice home, having a great spouse, a family, and acheiving some respectable accomplishments. I am not saying all this is wrong, but thats not what living is all about. After this life when you are face to face with Jesus, and he asks you did you do all you could do to advance my kingdom? What are you going to say? If you are only worried about your own salvation, your own life, and the people directly in it then you are not experiencing God, and ultimately you are turning away people from Jesus beause Jesus calls us to do so much more.
I am saying this because I am done living a comfortable life. I am done living a life chasing dreams that in no way show God's glory. When I do something from here on out I will do it to advance God's kingdom. I will live a biblical life, and that doesn't stop at living a righteouss one. It starts there. God can do great things through me and anyone else who is willing to allow him to work through you. At the end of my life I want it to be known that I was different, and that it wasn't great in the World's eyes, but it was great in God's eyes. Don't kill yourself trying to live a life pleasing everyone because you can't do it. You can live a life that can please God and oh man is that a life worth living. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and for anyone else who commits to him. I am so grateful for the grace he has showed me. For showing me Love. For showing me how to live. For giving me a life that has meaning. We have an amazing God. Don't miss out on all that he can offer you.
Lord thank you for your grace. I pray that you will give me the courage to stand apart, and to spread your love. I want your desires to be mine, and I really want to know your will for my life. I want to live a life that reflects the presence of an infinite God living inside me. The greatest thing I can do in this life Lord is to have you build me up for a purpose and to be used for that purpose. Lord use me. Thank you for giving me life. Amen
May your plans be established,
Matt
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
Monday, January 9, 2012
Don't Hold Back!
All I can say is WOW. I have never experienced God like this. I was on the verge of tears with with how God was working. The amount of feedback I got back from my testimony was really encouraging, and it made me realize that when I submit to the Holy Spirit that God can really do some great things through me. For the first time in my Christian walk God has revealed to me what it truly means to be a Christian. I was holding back on what God's plan was for me because I was scared and I was really nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone. God spoke to me, and as nervous as I was about trusting him and carrying out his will....I can say whole heartedly that it was the best decision I have ever made. My little sister called me this morning telling me that she gave her life to Christ, and it was the greatest feeling she has ever experienced. I tried my best not to cry, and I couldn't be more happy for her. I know she is in for an amazing journey, and a true Love story. I can't thank you enough for taking a few minutes to allow God to inspire you through the story of how he inspired me. God is doing great things, and I am so thankful to be a part of it.
My second blog is to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. I will take you more in depth through what God has revealed to me through my walk with him just recently in my life. Yes I said the sinners prayer, I knew that I had faith in God, I wanted to make that step to try to live a life led by him, and I asked Jesus to save me. I was ready to start my spiritual growth, but I didn't know where to start. I just put my faith in God, and seeked him in whatever way I could. I tried to eliminate some of the sin in my life, read my bible, tried to do the right things, and seeked God with all my heart. He was slowly transforming me, and it was a really exciting time. Things were not perfect though. It was a painful process, and I am still battling sin in my life. The fallen state of this world is something we can never get away from, and we are sinners. God is the only thing that can deliever us from our sinful nature. You will know you have Christ in your heart though because God will reveal himself through your sin and you will get convicted. God was pounding me about the Holy Spirit. I was reading how the disciples were just ordinary, uneducated men, and how when Jesus went to heaven he sent a better counselor(Holy Spirit). I wanted it, but I didn't know how to get it. I prayed for it just about every night. I had faith that this verse was true.
"If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot recieve, because it never sees him nor knows him, for he dwells with you and in you." John 14:14-17
I had faith in God, and I was seeking him. I was still battling with my sin, and I was using that as an excuse to not carry out God's will. Satan was using the sin I was battling to hold me back. I wanted to do more for God, but I thought that I needed to be more educated or more knowledgable on the material. I thought that I had to have a respectable streak where I didn't sin at all. I was trying to figure out how I could make a difference for God. I followed the call of the Holy Spirit with this blog, and I am amazed with how God was able to inspire so many people through this. Living a Christian life is a three step process. Having faith in God, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior because he died for your sins, and submitting to the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit our words do not inspire. If you are a believer I pray that you will live a spirit lead life. The Holy Spirit gives you understanding, and the words to peirce hearts.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and a marrow, and the discerning of thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 3:12
I want to encourage you to stand apart from the world. Have the courage to stand apart for God's glory. Ask God for courage, and for the Holy Spirit. It is a shame that the disciples died for the sake of spreading the Gospel, but we are too scared to be open about our faith from the fear of rejection. They all were persecuted beyond anything we could ever imagine. Why is it that we are scared to live a spirit-filled life beacause of what people might think of us? How can you be quiet about what God has to offer if you are really experiecing him. Trust me I know it's hard, but our God is greater! God will bless your life in ways you never thought possible. God is constantly changing me, and we are never "complete" Christians. It is a process, but we must truly seek his will for our lives with ALL of our hearts for our lives to be changed the way he really wants. Let me lay it down like this. God loves you so much he died for you. The Lord will fill your life with more love and meaning than anything else ever could. You live a life for God because that is the best way to live this life to the fullest, and you get to spend eternity with an infinite God in Heaven, a place so glorious that our minds can't even grasp the glory of. It is a pretty sweet deal because we have an amazing God. Faith will go along way, and again I pray that you will allow God to work in your life as much as he has mine.
Thank you so much for the support, and it is time to take a stand on what Life is all about! The time is now to be couragous believers! Now let's close this out in prayer,
God thank you so much for loving us like you do. It is a love we can't carry out to share with others without the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will give us the strength to be couragous believers,and to live lives that shine your light. You say that if we commit our works to you our plans will be extablished. Establish our plans Lord because I want to commit my works to you.. I want to live a life like Jesus, and grow closer to you lord. Thank you for changing my life.
Amen
Inspired by God,
Matt
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
My second blog is to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. I will take you more in depth through what God has revealed to me through my walk with him just recently in my life. Yes I said the sinners prayer, I knew that I had faith in God, I wanted to make that step to try to live a life led by him, and I asked Jesus to save me. I was ready to start my spiritual growth, but I didn't know where to start. I just put my faith in God, and seeked him in whatever way I could. I tried to eliminate some of the sin in my life, read my bible, tried to do the right things, and seeked God with all my heart. He was slowly transforming me, and it was a really exciting time. Things were not perfect though. It was a painful process, and I am still battling sin in my life. The fallen state of this world is something we can never get away from, and we are sinners. God is the only thing that can deliever us from our sinful nature. You will know you have Christ in your heart though because God will reveal himself through your sin and you will get convicted. God was pounding me about the Holy Spirit. I was reading how the disciples were just ordinary, uneducated men, and how when Jesus went to heaven he sent a better counselor(Holy Spirit). I wanted it, but I didn't know how to get it. I prayed for it just about every night. I had faith that this verse was true.
"If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot recieve, because it never sees him nor knows him, for he dwells with you and in you." John 14:14-17
I had faith in God, and I was seeking him. I was still battling with my sin, and I was using that as an excuse to not carry out God's will. Satan was using the sin I was battling to hold me back. I wanted to do more for God, but I thought that I needed to be more educated or more knowledgable on the material. I thought that I had to have a respectable streak where I didn't sin at all. I was trying to figure out how I could make a difference for God. I followed the call of the Holy Spirit with this blog, and I am amazed with how God was able to inspire so many people through this. Living a Christian life is a three step process. Having faith in God, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior because he died for your sins, and submitting to the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit our words do not inspire. If you are a believer I pray that you will live a spirit lead life. The Holy Spirit gives you understanding, and the words to peirce hearts.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and a marrow, and the discerning of thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 3:12
I want to encourage you to stand apart from the world. Have the courage to stand apart for God's glory. Ask God for courage, and for the Holy Spirit. It is a shame that the disciples died for the sake of spreading the Gospel, but we are too scared to be open about our faith from the fear of rejection. They all were persecuted beyond anything we could ever imagine. Why is it that we are scared to live a spirit-filled life beacause of what people might think of us? How can you be quiet about what God has to offer if you are really experiecing him. Trust me I know it's hard, but our God is greater! God will bless your life in ways you never thought possible. God is constantly changing me, and we are never "complete" Christians. It is a process, but we must truly seek his will for our lives with ALL of our hearts for our lives to be changed the way he really wants. Let me lay it down like this. God loves you so much he died for you. The Lord will fill your life with more love and meaning than anything else ever could. You live a life for God because that is the best way to live this life to the fullest, and you get to spend eternity with an infinite God in Heaven, a place so glorious that our minds can't even grasp the glory of. It is a pretty sweet deal because we have an amazing God. Faith will go along way, and again I pray that you will allow God to work in your life as much as he has mine.
Thank you so much for the support, and it is time to take a stand on what Life is all about! The time is now to be couragous believers! Now let's close this out in prayer,
God thank you so much for loving us like you do. It is a love we can't carry out to share with others without the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will give us the strength to be couragous believers,and to live lives that shine your light. You say that if we commit our works to you our plans will be extablished. Establish our plans Lord because I want to commit my works to you.. I want to live a life like Jesus, and grow closer to you lord. Thank you for changing my life.
Amen
Inspired by God,
Matt
mattmarsh70@gmail.com
Sunday, January 8, 2012
My Testimony
God laid in on my heart to create a blog in a powerful way. Obedience brings blessings is what he spoke to me so I am creating this blog in an act of obedience to my God. Some of you that are reading this may know me, and if you have kept in touch with me recently you would know that my life has been drastically changed. For those of you who don't know me very well let me feel you in with what has happened in my life.
My Mom and Dad were divorced when I was very young, and that is all I have ever known. My Mom has been married four times, and my Dad twice. My Mom's first husband died of luekemia leaving Lucas (my brother) without a father. My Mom then met my dad who had me, my brother (Marc), and my sister (Miranda). My mom did the best she could to raise four kids as a single mother. Times were tough, but I was a child and didn't know the difference. Life was alot more simple when I was a child. My Mom married her third husband, and I would have to say that was the most stable time in my life. We were in church every time the doors were open, and we did our best as a family to have a Christ-centered home. It is truly amazing the foundation that is established in a family when God is present. He truly does bless a family that is seeking him. My older brother was on his own when tragedy struck my family when he took his own life. He left a note of how it was my Mom's fault, and how much he hated her. He was my age, 20. My brother never had a father figure, and he was always in trouble. He was constasntly seeking to feel the hole in his life with drugs, alcohol, or anything else this broken world has to offer. This path of seeking fulfillment ultimately led to him into a state of mind that he could no longer live his life. You can imagine the affect this had on my Mom. All of a sudden my Mom became dead to everything around her. Once again another marriage failed, and they got divorced. I was in 8th grade, the stage of first facing temptaions and making life changing decisions. My brother's selfish act completely tore my family apart. I started to have to deal with coming to the reality that my Mom was not perfect. I saw first hand the devastation that sin does in someone's life. She was abusing drugs, and alcohol heavily. My mom lost her sense of reality, and ultimately that began to make me question it as well.
My mom began to threaten to take her life to me, and as a child that was very hard to deal with. She ended up meeting a guy in her vulnerable state that contributed to her problem. Things were unstable. They were constantly getting in fights, and she was getting beat up. Her new husband would kick us out after a fight, and we would have no place to go. I was constantly living with friends throughout high school. I felt so alone. I started to seek fullfillment in other things. I started to use alcohol, experimented with drugs, and began to have sex. There was one thing in my life that kept me somewhat stable, and that was a wonderful father and baseball. I saw my Dad quite a bit, and he was always really involved with everything I did. I didn't live with him though. Baseball was great when I was playing or in season. I got the opportunity to play baseball in college with a baseball scholarship. I thought for sure that when I left home all my problems would go away, and I picked the farthest school that offered me (Austin Peay).
I was happy to get away from all the problems at home, and to play the game I loved. I still drank alcohol, did the drugs, and seeked a sense of intimacy with girls. Now I had every opportunity to make a new life for myself, but I was even more misereable than I was when I was home. I used my home life as an excuse for the lifestyle I was living. In my eyes it wasn't wrong. As far as I was concerend I was doing pretty good beacuse I was playing ball and going to college. I tried my best to justify what I was doing, but I couldn't. I was numbing myself with all the sin that was in my life. I resented people who didn't think like me, and I got angry at the thought of someone telling me how I was living was wrong. I was running from God, and the thought of me submitting to some kind of authority was far-fetched. God was running me down. I ended up causing alot of problems at Austin Peay and I left. I went to Chipola in Florida, and I continued to live in sin. I also started to seek God. I felt him calling me, and I kept having spiritual experiences because of it. "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
I was up to my neck in sin, and I had no idea where to start. But I was curious. I had a pretty good year at Chipola, and my best offer was Liberty University. That was no coincidence. For those of you who don't know what Liberty University is, it is a Christian university. For the first time I began to seek God with all my heart. I was thrown in a Christian bubble, and with all the other things I did to seek fulfillment I figured this was worth a try. I was surrounded by people who came from great Christian families. I felt like an odd ball, and I was kind of embarassed of my past. I was attepting to do the right things, but I had no idea what it really meant to be a Christian. I was overwhelmed one Sunday morning by the presence of God. The message was about how some of the greatest people in the bible were people with a sinful past. It began to click to me what it really meant to be saved. I was a sinner, but I was ignorant to sin. With my own understanding there was know possible way to grasp what it meant to live a righteous life. Jesus died on the cross for my sins so that I could have life. I broked down and cried. I was by myself that Sunday, and I cried like a baby. It was the most overwhelming feeling I have ever experienced. I asked Jesus to rule my life, and that I wanted to live a life that pleased him.
That was just the beginning. It wasn't like things were perfect after that. It was a painful process for God to reveal alot of the sin in my life. I began to see life from a different perpective. My life began to change, and the sin in my life began to break my heart. I have since then experienced a love that is truly overwhelming, but here recently God has started to reveal to me the most important thing, The Holy Spirt. Jesus said this, "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your rememberance all that i have said to you." John 14:26 Without the Holy Spirit we have no understanding. The Holy Spirit is what speaks to us, and makes us understand God's word. The Holy Spirit is what makes a true Christian. Nothing I accomplish on my own will bring me any kind of eternal value. A life led by the power of the Holy Spirit is a life worth living. I life lived for ourselves is really insignificant compared to a life empowered by an ifinite God. If you are not experiencing God, you aren't experiencing true love. God loved us so much that he lived a perfect life, suffered, bled, and was crucified to pay a debt that we could never pay, our sins. He loved us so much that he died for us. That is love. Can you say that you have ever loved someone that much? God loves you, and he wants the best life you could ever have. God gives you peace, hope, and love that you can't get from anything else. I would not deny what God has to offer to my worst enenmy. I mean that with all my heart. I pray that you will seek God with all your heart because he will reveal himself to you. I was not really living when I wasn't experiencing God. I was going through the motions, and I was literally a dead man walking. God gave me life! Jesus died for my Sins! The Holy Spirit will Guide me through this life! I am nothing, but a sinner without God. You can do your best to make sense of this life on your own, but it isn't going to happen. If you are ready to make this change in your life, pray this prayer.
Jesus, I am sinner. I want everything you have to offer. Thank you for dieing on the cross for my sins. I want to have a relationship with you, and I want you to come and change my heart forever. Thank you for saving me Jesus, and thank you for a better life. Amen
Now that prayer prayed from the heart has eternal value, and a life submitted to an infinite God is living. Ever since God has been in my life, I have been picking up the pieces of a broken family. I have had the chance to see what God is doing with my family and it is amazing. I got a chance to share with my Mom the peace that God can bring her. Only God can comfort you through the hard times this world will take you through. I see God at work everyday in my life, and I am constantly transforming. I am still not perfect, but I know when I sin. I want to live a life like Jesus, and it takes me seeking God everyday, spending time in his word, and surrounding myself with spiritual support. I am only human, but God is what brings me understanding. I pray that you will seek God with all your heart because it will add so much more value to your life. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email. mattmarsh70@gmail.com
May God Bless your life,
Matt Marsh
My Mom and Dad were divorced when I was very young, and that is all I have ever known. My Mom has been married four times, and my Dad twice. My Mom's first husband died of luekemia leaving Lucas (my brother) without a father. My Mom then met my dad who had me, my brother (Marc), and my sister (Miranda). My mom did the best she could to raise four kids as a single mother. Times were tough, but I was a child and didn't know the difference. Life was alot more simple when I was a child. My Mom married her third husband, and I would have to say that was the most stable time in my life. We were in church every time the doors were open, and we did our best as a family to have a Christ-centered home. It is truly amazing the foundation that is established in a family when God is present. He truly does bless a family that is seeking him. My older brother was on his own when tragedy struck my family when he took his own life. He left a note of how it was my Mom's fault, and how much he hated her. He was my age, 20. My brother never had a father figure, and he was always in trouble. He was constasntly seeking to feel the hole in his life with drugs, alcohol, or anything else this broken world has to offer. This path of seeking fulfillment ultimately led to him into a state of mind that he could no longer live his life. You can imagine the affect this had on my Mom. All of a sudden my Mom became dead to everything around her. Once again another marriage failed, and they got divorced. I was in 8th grade, the stage of first facing temptaions and making life changing decisions. My brother's selfish act completely tore my family apart. I started to have to deal with coming to the reality that my Mom was not perfect. I saw first hand the devastation that sin does in someone's life. She was abusing drugs, and alcohol heavily. My mom lost her sense of reality, and ultimately that began to make me question it as well.
My mom began to threaten to take her life to me, and as a child that was very hard to deal with. She ended up meeting a guy in her vulnerable state that contributed to her problem. Things were unstable. They were constantly getting in fights, and she was getting beat up. Her new husband would kick us out after a fight, and we would have no place to go. I was constantly living with friends throughout high school. I felt so alone. I started to seek fullfillment in other things. I started to use alcohol, experimented with drugs, and began to have sex. There was one thing in my life that kept me somewhat stable, and that was a wonderful father and baseball. I saw my Dad quite a bit, and he was always really involved with everything I did. I didn't live with him though. Baseball was great when I was playing or in season. I got the opportunity to play baseball in college with a baseball scholarship. I thought for sure that when I left home all my problems would go away, and I picked the farthest school that offered me (Austin Peay).
I was happy to get away from all the problems at home, and to play the game I loved. I still drank alcohol, did the drugs, and seeked a sense of intimacy with girls. Now I had every opportunity to make a new life for myself, but I was even more misereable than I was when I was home. I used my home life as an excuse for the lifestyle I was living. In my eyes it wasn't wrong. As far as I was concerend I was doing pretty good beacuse I was playing ball and going to college. I tried my best to justify what I was doing, but I couldn't. I was numbing myself with all the sin that was in my life. I resented people who didn't think like me, and I got angry at the thought of someone telling me how I was living was wrong. I was running from God, and the thought of me submitting to some kind of authority was far-fetched. God was running me down. I ended up causing alot of problems at Austin Peay and I left. I went to Chipola in Florida, and I continued to live in sin. I also started to seek God. I felt him calling me, and I kept having spiritual experiences because of it. "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
I was up to my neck in sin, and I had no idea where to start. But I was curious. I had a pretty good year at Chipola, and my best offer was Liberty University. That was no coincidence. For those of you who don't know what Liberty University is, it is a Christian university. For the first time I began to seek God with all my heart. I was thrown in a Christian bubble, and with all the other things I did to seek fulfillment I figured this was worth a try. I was surrounded by people who came from great Christian families. I felt like an odd ball, and I was kind of embarassed of my past. I was attepting to do the right things, but I had no idea what it really meant to be a Christian. I was overwhelmed one Sunday morning by the presence of God. The message was about how some of the greatest people in the bible were people with a sinful past. It began to click to me what it really meant to be saved. I was a sinner, but I was ignorant to sin. With my own understanding there was know possible way to grasp what it meant to live a righteous life. Jesus died on the cross for my sins so that I could have life. I broked down and cried. I was by myself that Sunday, and I cried like a baby. It was the most overwhelming feeling I have ever experienced. I asked Jesus to rule my life, and that I wanted to live a life that pleased him.
That was just the beginning. It wasn't like things were perfect after that. It was a painful process for God to reveal alot of the sin in my life. I began to see life from a different perpective. My life began to change, and the sin in my life began to break my heart. I have since then experienced a love that is truly overwhelming, but here recently God has started to reveal to me the most important thing, The Holy Spirt. Jesus said this, "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your rememberance all that i have said to you." John 14:26 Without the Holy Spirit we have no understanding. The Holy Spirit is what speaks to us, and makes us understand God's word. The Holy Spirit is what makes a true Christian. Nothing I accomplish on my own will bring me any kind of eternal value. A life led by the power of the Holy Spirit is a life worth living. I life lived for ourselves is really insignificant compared to a life empowered by an ifinite God. If you are not experiencing God, you aren't experiencing true love. God loved us so much that he lived a perfect life, suffered, bled, and was crucified to pay a debt that we could never pay, our sins. He loved us so much that he died for us. That is love. Can you say that you have ever loved someone that much? God loves you, and he wants the best life you could ever have. God gives you peace, hope, and love that you can't get from anything else. I would not deny what God has to offer to my worst enenmy. I mean that with all my heart. I pray that you will seek God with all your heart because he will reveal himself to you. I was not really living when I wasn't experiencing God. I was going through the motions, and I was literally a dead man walking. God gave me life! Jesus died for my Sins! The Holy Spirit will Guide me through this life! I am nothing, but a sinner without God. You can do your best to make sense of this life on your own, but it isn't going to happen. If you are ready to make this change in your life, pray this prayer.
Jesus, I am sinner. I want everything you have to offer. Thank you for dieing on the cross for my sins. I want to have a relationship with you, and I want you to come and change my heart forever. Thank you for saving me Jesus, and thank you for a better life. Amen
Now that prayer prayed from the heart has eternal value, and a life submitted to an infinite God is living. Ever since God has been in my life, I have been picking up the pieces of a broken family. I have had the chance to see what God is doing with my family and it is amazing. I got a chance to share with my Mom the peace that God can bring her. Only God can comfort you through the hard times this world will take you through. I see God at work everyday in my life, and I am constantly transforming. I am still not perfect, but I know when I sin. I want to live a life like Jesus, and it takes me seeking God everyday, spending time in his word, and surrounding myself with spiritual support. I am only human, but God is what brings me understanding. I pray that you will seek God with all your heart because it will add so much more value to your life. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email. mattmarsh70@gmail.com
May God Bless your life,
Matt Marsh
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