Hello, to anyone!
Right about this time one year ago I put up a post about God's Plan/Timing. I came across it and read it, and It actually may apply more to me now than it did last year. So I decided to repost! Here it is!
Hello For Starters,
I will now engage the subject of missed opportunities. I feel like we have alot of these. Those things that almost or could've happened but didn't because you chose a different path somewhere before, or you just didn't take a chance. I also feel sad when I've known someone my whole life but never really developed a friendship with them like I would like (That's you, Jesse Woon). I, like most people, have some regret about things I've done, and choices I've made. I often wish I could redo a day or a sentence or something and make it better. I often wish I could take something back, or try something new. But then I am reminded (usually by something amazing) that what has happened to me was exactly on purpose. I've learned to find it encouraging when something doesn't work out, cause that just means that it wasn't supposed to; that God's looking out for me, and has a different idea of where I should be. I am so glad to know that the plan maker of my life is someone so much smarter and wiser than I am. My God saw my life before I was born, and sees ahead of me when I cannot. I missed my thanksgiving post so I this is what I'm thankful for. That God has blessed me so richly with happiness, family, friends, and a plan for my life to do exactly for him what he wants me to. So, in closing, I would urge you to find strength when life is kicking you, and find that God has so much in store for you, and that whatever happens to you is for your own good according to His plan for your life. Amen
-Evan
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Making Sacrifices
Hello Anyone!
This post is going to be about Jesus! Just so we know what we're getting into! and....GO!
My Main Verse I'm basing on is in Genesis Chapter 4 (NLT)! The Story of Cain and Abel! Starting in verse 2
2:When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.”[c] And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.
9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”
“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”
10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”
13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment[d] is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”
Okay, so we see right off the bat, that there is some sibling rivalry. Much like two brothers who paint pictures for their mother, and she likes one more, and one gets mad.
The difference here in the picture example is that one kid may be more gifted in art, and the other can't do any better. Let's look at the contrast in attitude between our two brothers.
Cain:
Cain was very capable of giving more than he did. He had more to give and held back. He was selfish. He thought, even if he didn't think of it that way, he treated God like he deserved more than him. Maybe he thought God wouldn't notice. God did notice, and he didn't accept Cain's offering, because he knew he was capable of more! Maybe he just didn't care, or think it would matter that much. But it sure did matter once Abel showed up. And it didn't turn out so well for Cain.
Abel:
Now Abel knew what it was all about. My guess is that he grew up with a stronger faith and relationship with God than Cain did. He understood how much God deserves from us. So he offered God his very best. The best product of his work. He worked hard, and he made a sacrifice! And God accepted him and his offering. Abel had to be feeling pretty good at this point. He had done good work, and done well in God's sight.
Cain was so angry that God dissaproved of him and gave praise to Abel that he killed his own brother. HIS OWN BROTHER! He just killed him cause he was mad. When he was the one who did something wrong. It wouldn't have been that hard to give his best, and he should've learned from Abel that his reward would be great if he would just try.
When God confronts Cain about killing Abel (Which he knows about already, cause he's God, duh), Cain lies, smart mouths God (Don't you talk back to me!), and essentially is the little boy who gets in trouble, knows he deserved it, but whines about his punishment. God banished Cain from crop work, which was really his only love, and from the land where he lived and he leaves him to wander the earth miserable.
it's sad what happened to Cain, but it's certainly something we can learn from.
Every single day I don't give enough to God. I never feel like I'm doing enough. Some days I don't read my bible at all. And even days that I do, I feel like I've fallen short.
My sister on the other hand, is so strong and good at being involved with God. She reads her bible all the time, and prays about everything, and I know that lately God is more accepting of her lifestyle than mine.
Now, of course I'm not going to kill my sister because of that. In fact, I'm not going to complain about it. The one thing I can do is improve my relationship with God, by making sacrfices. The next time I'm going to watch TV, I can read my bible. The next time I go to check my facebook, I can pray instead. Social Godworking certainly beats Social Networking. And if I do, my reward will be great! I will find favor with God! My life will seem more easy, and I will be happier and better at what I do.
So, to all of you as well. Think about it. Are you giving your very best and most to God?
Are you giving, but not your best as Cain did?
Are you giving anything to God at all?
Use the Cain and Abel story to your advantage, and remember it. Abel found favor for giving his utmost, and Cain was banished and left in misery.
Which of those sounds better?
A relationship with God is the best and most rewarding thing we will ever find on this Earth.
It is something to invest in.
He invested in us.
He made the biggest sacrifce he had. He gave the absolute most he could give.
He sent us his son to give us a way to him.
The least we can do is give him our love and praise and very best effort. Our time.
And he will reward us greatly.
So make a sacrifice! Make time for your relationship with God, no matter how little time you have free.
You will not regret it!
-Evan
This post is going to be about Jesus! Just so we know what we're getting into! and....GO!
My Main Verse I'm basing on is in Genesis Chapter 4 (NLT)! The Story of Cain and Abel! Starting in verse 2
2:When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.”[c] And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.
9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”
“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”
10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”
13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment[d] is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”
Okay, so we see right off the bat, that there is some sibling rivalry. Much like two brothers who paint pictures for their mother, and she likes one more, and one gets mad.
The difference here in the picture example is that one kid may be more gifted in art, and the other can't do any better. Let's look at the contrast in attitude between our two brothers.
Cain:
Cain was very capable of giving more than he did. He had more to give and held back. He was selfish. He thought, even if he didn't think of it that way, he treated God like he deserved more than him. Maybe he thought God wouldn't notice. God did notice, and he didn't accept Cain's offering, because he knew he was capable of more! Maybe he just didn't care, or think it would matter that much. But it sure did matter once Abel showed up. And it didn't turn out so well for Cain.
Abel:
Now Abel knew what it was all about. My guess is that he grew up with a stronger faith and relationship with God than Cain did. He understood how much God deserves from us. So he offered God his very best. The best product of his work. He worked hard, and he made a sacrifice! And God accepted him and his offering. Abel had to be feeling pretty good at this point. He had done good work, and done well in God's sight.
Cain was so angry that God dissaproved of him and gave praise to Abel that he killed his own brother. HIS OWN BROTHER! He just killed him cause he was mad. When he was the one who did something wrong. It wouldn't have been that hard to give his best, and he should've learned from Abel that his reward would be great if he would just try.
When God confronts Cain about killing Abel (Which he knows about already, cause he's God, duh), Cain lies, smart mouths God (Don't you talk back to me!), and essentially is the little boy who gets in trouble, knows he deserved it, but whines about his punishment. God banished Cain from crop work, which was really his only love, and from the land where he lived and he leaves him to wander the earth miserable.
it's sad what happened to Cain, but it's certainly something we can learn from.
Every single day I don't give enough to God. I never feel like I'm doing enough. Some days I don't read my bible at all. And even days that I do, I feel like I've fallen short.
My sister on the other hand, is so strong and good at being involved with God. She reads her bible all the time, and prays about everything, and I know that lately God is more accepting of her lifestyle than mine.
Now, of course I'm not going to kill my sister because of that. In fact, I'm not going to complain about it. The one thing I can do is improve my relationship with God, by making sacrfices. The next time I'm going to watch TV, I can read my bible. The next time I go to check my facebook, I can pray instead. Social Godworking certainly beats Social Networking. And if I do, my reward will be great! I will find favor with God! My life will seem more easy, and I will be happier and better at what I do.
So, to all of you as well. Think about it. Are you giving your very best and most to God?
Are you giving, but not your best as Cain did?
Are you giving anything to God at all?
Use the Cain and Abel story to your advantage, and remember it. Abel found favor for giving his utmost, and Cain was banished and left in misery.
Which of those sounds better?
A relationship with God is the best and most rewarding thing we will ever find on this Earth.
It is something to invest in.
He invested in us.
He made the biggest sacrifce he had. He gave the absolute most he could give.
He sent us his son to give us a way to him.
The least we can do is give him our love and praise and very best effort. Our time.
And he will reward us greatly.
So make a sacrifice! Make time for your relationship with God, no matter how little time you have free.
You will not regret it!
-Evan
Neglect = Redirect
I have been neglecting this blog! I haven't been using it to it's potential, in a couple ways. One: It's fun to write and it gives me something to do! 2: I could totally be using this blog to write about God and have an impact on people!
What really got my attention, and made me want to restart this was that my sister started a blog, and it blew my mind! She challenges people to be "Weird" in the sense that we are not living average dull lives, but we are doing things for God and making a difference, which is weird, cause no one does that!
So I want to click refresh on this blog!
I want to reenvision it entirely!
And I want to use for other people's benefit and my own. I can benefit people with whatever words God chooses to give me, and the best way to stay strong in your faith is to be involved with it!
So look out for a new and refreshed Skinny!
Stay Tuned!
-Evan!
What really got my attention, and made me want to restart this was that my sister started a blog, and it blew my mind! She challenges people to be "Weird" in the sense that we are not living average dull lives, but we are doing things for God and making a difference, which is weird, cause no one does that!
So I want to click refresh on this blog!
I want to reenvision it entirely!
And I want to use for other people's benefit and my own. I can benefit people with whatever words God chooses to give me, and the best way to stay strong in your faith is to be involved with it!
So look out for a new and refreshed Skinny!
Stay Tuned!
-Evan!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
This Morning
It is gorgeous outside. That's something I've needed for a while. This heat really wrecks my body, so it's nice to feel cool when I go outside in my favorite red shorts and crocodile dock vbs shirt to get my dog back in the house. Last night was Stephen's last night of SEEK, and it was really sweet and great! Stephen and Devin's ministry here has been amazing! I lead worship last night as well, which is always a special experience. It's incredible to shout out to God and have 130 people shouting with you. I also got to see a great friend I have missed last night!
On the way, Dad and I had one of our famous "Car ride home" talks. That's when all the girls in our house decide to stay at church and chat, and we're too tired and we wanna go home. so we do. And we talk about stuff I can't talk to other people about. Dad has a special knack for giving you confidence. He knows what to say to spark you up, and get you going. Talking about life with dad is always great. He's just really really smart!
Since I got home last night I have felt horrible! lack of sleep, heat, and over-load of thoughts have my body bummed out! My room was 85 degrees when I went to bed! Good Gracious, Bodacious!
Today is Alex's birthday! I'm excited to celebrate his day with him, as he is one of my closest friends, and he improves my life in every way!
I think I may also be getting lunch with Christian or something, but as usual we never really decide to untill 25 minutes before we eat so whatever.
I have a good feeling about this coming week! Lots to do!
On the way, Dad and I had one of our famous "Car ride home" talks. That's when all the girls in our house decide to stay at church and chat, and we're too tired and we wanna go home. so we do. And we talk about stuff I can't talk to other people about. Dad has a special knack for giving you confidence. He knows what to say to spark you up, and get you going. Talking about life with dad is always great. He's just really really smart!
Since I got home last night I have felt horrible! lack of sleep, heat, and over-load of thoughts have my body bummed out! My room was 85 degrees when I went to bed! Good Gracious, Bodacious!
Today is Alex's birthday! I'm excited to celebrate his day with him, as he is one of my closest friends, and he improves my life in every way!
I think I may also be getting lunch with Christian or something, but as usual we never really decide to untill 25 minutes before we eat so whatever.
I have a good feeling about this coming week! Lots to do!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Walking in The Spirit
I realized last night that I have been very distant from my faith lately. I know this happens to all of us on a regular basis, but I want to feel lead to the spirit always! I wanted to explore how to do this; how to always feel connected to God, so I "Dove into scriprture" to take a further look!
One thing that stands in our way is the desires of the earth. Every single person has something on Earth that keeps them from God! The problem is, as long as we are in our earthly bodies, we will never truly be rid of them. So how then can we find escape from these things that are hindering our faith? Paul knows!
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV) says:
"But I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desires of the spirit are against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
God designed it so that his desires and our earthly desires would oppose each other. That means the more we strive for one, the more we lose interest in the other. I think the sole reason we ever become far from our faith with God is that we become too concerned with our earthly desires. Instead, we should strive for a life in the spirit! I know it's really hard to jump with excitement back into a faith you've been neglecting, but if you can grind through the beginning, it becomes so natural and easy, and then you are fulfilled and the earthly things no longer have the same appeal to you!
Another thing I noticed was how unhappy I am when I am not in a habit of spending time alone with God. I do all the same things, but I do not do them with faith.
James 2:14-17
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed or lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
We have to have actions along with our faith or our faith is pointless and does nothing for God. I believe that, in the same way, actions without faith are also dead. That's what I was doing. I had all the actions, but my heart wasn't in it. We must always be giving back to God. Not just in one day pieces, but in our entire life.
Paul says in Romans 12:1-2 "...Present your bodies as living Sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be comformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
So if we give our lives to God, with actions, and with faith, a living sacrifice, he will give us discernment, and then we can escape our earthly desires and walk comfortably, and confidently in the spirit!
Finally, one of the most important things about staying in your faith is not to be discouraged. It's very easy to feel bad when you see other people worshipping and living closely with God when you are not. It's also very easy to think "Well, I'm just going to slip away again so why even bother." Our faith is always a rollercoaster, where we have good seasons and bad seasons, highs and lows, But our God is a merciful and forgiving God, who loves us in spite of our shortcomings! He never loses faith in us! So keep pushing when you've drifted away, and you will find the fire for God again! Good luck walking int the spirit!
2 Timothy 2:11-13:
"If we have died with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we deny him, he also will deny us.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful-
For he cannot deny himself."
-Evan
One thing that stands in our way is the desires of the earth. Every single person has something on Earth that keeps them from God! The problem is, as long as we are in our earthly bodies, we will never truly be rid of them. So how then can we find escape from these things that are hindering our faith? Paul knows!
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV) says:
"But I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desires of the spirit are against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
God designed it so that his desires and our earthly desires would oppose each other. That means the more we strive for one, the more we lose interest in the other. I think the sole reason we ever become far from our faith with God is that we become too concerned with our earthly desires. Instead, we should strive for a life in the spirit! I know it's really hard to jump with excitement back into a faith you've been neglecting, but if you can grind through the beginning, it becomes so natural and easy, and then you are fulfilled and the earthly things no longer have the same appeal to you!
Another thing I noticed was how unhappy I am when I am not in a habit of spending time alone with God. I do all the same things, but I do not do them with faith.
James 2:14-17
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed or lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
We have to have actions along with our faith or our faith is pointless and does nothing for God. I believe that, in the same way, actions without faith are also dead. That's what I was doing. I had all the actions, but my heart wasn't in it. We must always be giving back to God. Not just in one day pieces, but in our entire life.
Paul says in Romans 12:1-2 "...Present your bodies as living Sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be comformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
So if we give our lives to God, with actions, and with faith, a living sacrifice, he will give us discernment, and then we can escape our earthly desires and walk comfortably, and confidently in the spirit!
Finally, one of the most important things about staying in your faith is not to be discouraged. It's very easy to feel bad when you see other people worshipping and living closely with God when you are not. It's also very easy to think "Well, I'm just going to slip away again so why even bother." Our faith is always a rollercoaster, where we have good seasons and bad seasons, highs and lows, But our God is a merciful and forgiving God, who loves us in spite of our shortcomings! He never loses faith in us! So keep pushing when you've drifted away, and you will find the fire for God again! Good luck walking int the spirit!
2 Timothy 2:11-13:
"If we have died with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we deny him, he also will deny us.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful-
For he cannot deny himself."
-Evan
Friday, June 24, 2011
We Delight
We delight in the law of your word, we delight in the son who was perfect from birth, we delight in the day he's returning to earth, hallelujah!
We may have blasted empire state of mind all week, but this is the song that was in my head by Caedmon's Call. Choir Tour was truly amazing. I've never felt such a sense of freedom in the spirit of the Lord. When we stood up to shout his name and of his worth, nothing else mattered, nothing else even existed. being a vessel of the Lord means that he puts his spirit in us and we literally move for him as a physical act of his love! How amazing that God would allow us to share in the development of His Kingdom!
I've also never felt so close to the people I know than this trip. The people I never talked to, I talked to, and they talked to me, and we grew close. the people I talk to alot, talked to me more, and we grew closer. when I was sick in my flesh, people cared for me, and helped me to press on, and when I was weak in spirit I received encouragement and prayer. How can you fail in your work when God has blessed you with such things? he obviously wanted us to reach people for his name this past week, and I truly believe that in Ocean City, The Bronx, Harlem, Utica (UTICA!), and Pennsylvania, people were blessed and reached by the Lord through our music! Praise God!
We may have blasted empire state of mind all week, but this is the song that was in my head by Caedmon's Call. Choir Tour was truly amazing. I've never felt such a sense of freedom in the spirit of the Lord. When we stood up to shout his name and of his worth, nothing else mattered, nothing else even existed. being a vessel of the Lord means that he puts his spirit in us and we literally move for him as a physical act of his love! How amazing that God would allow us to share in the development of His Kingdom!
I've also never felt so close to the people I know than this trip. The people I never talked to, I talked to, and they talked to me, and we grew close. the people I talk to alot, talked to me more, and we grew closer. when I was sick in my flesh, people cared for me, and helped me to press on, and when I was weak in spirit I received encouragement and prayer. How can you fail in your work when God has blessed you with such things? he obviously wanted us to reach people for his name this past week, and I truly believe that in Ocean City, The Bronx, Harlem, Utica (UTICA!), and Pennsylvania, people were blessed and reached by the Lord through our music! Praise God!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
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