Weak things...

Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. - Author Unknown

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."  1 Corinthians 1:25-29


"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord." Zechariah 4:6



After the ascension of Jesus, doctors, lawyers, priests, rulers, scribes, and theologians listened with astonishment to words of wisdom and power from unlearned and humble men. These wise men marveled at the success of the lowly disciples, and finally accounted for it to their own satisfaction from the fact that they had been with Jesus and learned of him. Their character and the simplicity of their teachings were similar to the character and teachings of Christ, in reference to which the apostle uses these words: "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence." [1 COR. 1:27-29.]--Vol. 4, p. 378. {GW92 245.1}


As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God.  {COL 79.1}
Those who receive Christ as a personal Saviour will stand the test and trial of these last days. Strengthened by unquestioning faith in Christ, even the illiterate disciple will be able to withstand the doubts and questions that infidelity can produce, and put to blush the sophistries of scorners.


The Lord Jesus will give the disciples a tongue and wisdom that their adversaries can neither gainsay nor resist. Those who could not, by reasoning, overcome satanic delusions will bear an affirmative testimony that will baffle supposedly learned men. Words will come from the lips of the unlearned with such convincing power and wisdom that conversions will be made to the truth. Thousands will be converted under their testimony.
Why should the illiterate man have this power, which the learned man has not? The illiterate one, through faith in Christ, has come into the atmosphere of pure, clear truth, while the learned man has turned away from the truth. The poor man is Christ's witness. He cannot appeal to histories or to so-called high science, but he gathers from the Word of God powerful evidence. The truth that he speaks under the inspiration of the Spirit is so pure and remarkable and carries with it a power so indisputable that his testimony cannot be gainsaid.--8MR 187, 188 (1905).
Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power.--Ev 700 (1895).  {LDE 205, 206}

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  2 Corinthians 12:10

What a beautiful picture!

GYC 2010

I was thinking about GYC the other day. Wondering if it is really worth going to. Is it just a fun place to be? a place to hang out with my friends? a place to be able to say I went? Have the three I've experienced really changed me?
As I pondered these questions I realized some things were true. It caused me to consider my true motives. It is a wonderful blessings to be surrounded by likeminded friends and enjoy their fellowship. But if that is my sole purpose for attending to the neglect of the spiritual renewal offered there then it's worth is lost on me. It is tempting sometimes to relish the thought of the chance to rub shoulders with the "elite" at such gatherings as GYC. But if I do not accept their challenge to live a life more fully surrender to my Savior, if I put them on a pedestal, if I consider it a greater privilege to make their acquaintance than to enter into the presence of the Almighty morning by morning, I have dishonored them and my Lord.
Am I perfect for having attended GYC? No. I come each year having gained victories, but also having encountered new battles.
In conclusion, GYC for me is a waymark. I can look back and see how things have changed since I was last here. I can see how God has led me, guided me, directed me, moved me, grown me, broken me, changed me, and remember His faithfulness to complete the good work He has started in me. It is a place I can look back to and see the commitment I made to God. It can encourage me when I feel like I am all alone in this pilgrim way to remember the thousands of young people around the world climbing with me.
Coming to GYC doesn't mean you will change. It is not a magical place. You cannot just come, sit back, and expect to be different when you leave. Change is possible. Change is what God wants. He wants to go deeper with us. But we have to give Him permission to search the depths of our soul. GYC provides a place to do that, but it is only realized by those who enter into that soul searching place with God.
For anyone considering attending this conference, whether for the first time or again, I would encourage you to do so. But I would also encourage you to not just let GYC a place. Make GYC a lifestyle. Let us live the commitments we make, use the tools we gain, witness as fervently and as unashamedly, all the other 360 days of the year.  Let us truly be the Generation for Youth for Christ.

Strength...

What does not kill me makes me stronger.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

It kind of describes my summer. Days packed full of experiences that stretched and pulled me out of my comfort zone. Some made me think about whether I was serious about my commitment. I am. But I've seen a lot more of my self. I've seen a lot more of how much I need Him. But what does not kill me makes me stronger. And He promised that His strength is made perfect in weakness. I held onto that promise many numerous times this summer. Sometimes with the last quaking ounce of faith I had in me. If anything, this summer taught me I'm capable of more than I thought. But only if He is sustaining me. It's not easy. But it is incredibly fulfilling.

...out of weakness were made strong.. Heb 11:34

...Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'" Joel 3:10

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2Cor 12:9, 10

To Mexico...

My brother John and I leave for Chiapas, Mexico tomorrow morning. I haven't caught up from my summer adventures, but I'm trusting that God will supply the strength I need.

I'm really excited about this trip. Our first ever mission trip and first time out of the country as well. It promises to be an unforgettable experience. God has supplied above and beyond all our needs. Mom and I did shopping for the trip yesterday...getting VBS supplies, hard hats, safety glasses, and work gloves. Maranatha gave us a list of things we could bring for the people and children in Mexico...toothbrushes, toothpaste, little bars of soap, etc. So  I went into a Comfort Inn and told them I was going on a mission trip to Mexico and asked if they would like to donate a hand full of toiletries. They gave me a bag of soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothbrushes & toothpaste, travel sewing kits, and deodorant. I'm going to take them a Thank You card. :)

Now to pack to day in a couple of hours so that we can leave for town in time to get a couple last minute things, see my nieces and nephew and get up to Omaha. Our flight leaves at 6:36am so we are going to stay in a Hotel just down the road from the airport since we have to be there at 4:30am.

Keep the trip, the Maranatha group, the church, and the people we will be meeting in your prayers. Thank you!!

Isaiah 8:11-14

The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, "Don't call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don't live in dread of what frightens them. Make the LORD of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe." NLT

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; KJV

I'm sure all of you at one time or another have heard the conspiracy theories about 9/11 and other things going on in America. (NOTE: Whether or not you believe in them is totally up to you. But please don't start telling me about your latest findings. Thank you! :) I have heard my share of theories. They sound very plausible at times. I will keep my opinion about them to myself for the time being however.

This morning I was listening to my audio Bible while making my lunch and these verses from Isaiah stood out to me. The only thing conspiracy theories succeed in doing most often is taking our eyes off of Christ and His soon coming. They leave us with suspicions about everyone who passes us, and a fear of what my be coming in the future.

When I heard these words from Isaiah this morning it almost made my mouth drop open. It was like God knew what I'd been thinking lately. Not that CT have been keeping me awake at night or sent me under cover, but I have wondered about them. Here God is telling us, "Don't pass these things along. Don't give them your attention. Instead fear Me. Look to me and I will be your sanctuary in time of trouble." What a comforting thought. I do not need to fret and worry about what may happen tomorrow. I do not need to fear as those of this world do who have no refuge.

We serve an Almighty God! I will not fear...though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

He is my sanctuary!