Today was a great devotional day from the book that I am reading, "Purpose Driven Life." It talks about the freedom of life when we can surrender ourselves to Christ. As the apostle Paul says, "I day daily." This is such an incredible concept that Christ offers us. He asks us to lay down everything in our life, so that God may take care of us. This seemed a little scary to me, because I think in my small little mind God may not take care of some of things I ask for. But how limiting is that of this amazing God. I do not know why this thought even makes it way into mind. God has incredible things in store for me, if I can give Him my life. The thought of surrender is completely against the grain of the society we live in. We are taught to win, succeed, never give up, and fight for victory. But God knows this life of ours is hard and all He is asks that we let go of our entire life for Him, so that he can give us victory and most of all eternal victory.
Amen!
Pastor Hodges always uses a quote, " If we are on our face for the Lord, we can never fall."
My buddy John and I have began praying everyday for someone, because we have seen the power of prayer in a number of our friends lives. So everyday either one of us will text message the other with someone that God has laid on our heart. We both will pray for this person throughout our day and keep them in our thoughts. I know God is working in this. It is awesome to know that we both are caring for our friends and wanting the best for them through Christ.
I just had a great lunch with Pastor Bryan Sederwell of Denver Church. I wanted to talk with him about his vision for the church, my visions/calling, and outreach in the Denver area. This was a great conversation. He has such a heart for the city of Denver and wants to work as hard as he can to spread the love of Christ throughout the metro area. This was great to hear! I then shared with him I felt God calling me to minister to the homeless in some capacity. And the first thing he said was the timing for this could not be any better. What a blessing! Denver Church is just getting set to move into North High School and this will allow major growth to take place. Outreach is major factor in the church and he mentioned a number of people to speak with. I told him I would love to be on staff to help out in this area of the church. We both are big vision thinkers and can see how God wants to work through us for the city. We are both huge on leveraging relationships/churches/organizations for the greater good of the Kingdom of God! This was certainly the works in motion of something great. Bryan's heart and energy is certainly echoed in the church and soon to be the greater Denver area, believe me! We talked about our families, sports, and just enjoyed the day on the roof at the Lazy Dog in Boulder. I am so fortunate to have had this lunch with him and I am super excited for the next few months for this relationship to grow!
"Don't ask God to bless what you are doing, get with what God is doing because that is already blessed." - A wiseman shared this with Bono of U2
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Answered Prayers
The last few days have been answered prayers. It started on last Thursday when I happen to stumble on to the website denverchurch.tv. I have been looking for a small group to get involved with for quite some time now. Denver Church happen to belong to Association of Related Churches, started by Billy Hornsby (Victory and Church of the Highlands also belong). Well I shot Pastor Bryan an email, asking if I could get involved in their small groups. He quickly responded and let me know that their LifeGroups had actually just launched that week. Well, I called the LifeGroup leader, Stevie and he invited me over to his apartment that night as they were having their first meeting. We had a blast over at his place and I knew this was an answered prayer. I felt comfortable sharing how the Lord has worked in my life and we actually openly discussed an issue Lisa (Stevie's girlfriend, UF Grad '06) was going through. Accountability was a main focus of this group, which is something I was definitely looking for in a small group.
Then, I decided to check out Denver Church on Sunday morning. It was literally a 15 minute walk from my apartment. They met in an elementary school and it was actually their one year anniversary as a church! I knew this place felt right the moment I walked in the doors. I was greeted by Pastor Bryan and the moment I met him I could tell he has a real heart for the Lord. His message was a highlight of how the Church has grown over the last year and where God is leading this church. What a great time for me to come him and hear the overview. The church was like a family and made up of people my age. I have really been looking to surround myself with Godly people that are my age and this was that answered prayer. They finished the service with a song Church of the Highlands introduced while I was in Birmingham called, "God of this City." It really solidified this church for me. The icing on the cake was, after the service I spoke with Pastor Bryan about the fact that I went to Victory Church and he told me that the Worship Leader Kirk, was actually Pastor Mike's son-in-law. WOW!
Then this morning there was another answered prayer. My very good friend Sarah has had a very hard time since her and her boyfriend broke up. I can relate with her and we have really strengthened our friendship over the past few months. I have really been praying for her as she has been struggling with the pain of this ended relationship. I have tried to share with her how the Lord is bringing me through my hurt. She has been a great friend for me during this time in my life. Well my prayer was answered this morning as we were chatting online as we do a lot of mornings at work. She told me she was really having a hard time and upset about making some regretful decisions. I told her there is only one way to get your life back in line and that comes by allowing Christ into your life. This seemed foreign to her. I began to describe this transformation process that has taken place in my life and my buddy John's life, because she has recognized this change. She asked me how does she go about letting Christ be the focal point in her life. I said by praying to God that all her sins be forgiven and for Jesus to be Lord of her life. This must be done with a sincere heart, but God will hear her prayer and salvation will take manifestation in her life. I felt like God had opened up this conversation and the Holy Spirit was giving me the words to say (type). She got back to me in about 20 minutes and she said that she had done this. She told me she was full of tears and I told her I was absolutely ecstatic for her. I never dreamed God would have used me to help Sarah find this, but it was awesome. She was floored that John and I cared so much about her that we had been praying this would happen in her life for over 5 months. I told her this is love and compassion for others that God will place on your heart, once salvation takes place in your life. I could not stop emphasizing how excited I was for her. I called my buddy John and shared this with him and I think he was like a deer in the headlights once he heard what had just happened. I then spoke with Sarah's best friend Lauren, who had just had a conversation with Sarah last night about following Christ. I told Lauren I would let Sarah tell her what happened. I am so proud of Lauren as she has come such a long way and it is tremendous to see the Lord becoming so prevalent in Lauren's life.
God is good my friends.
As John would say, Do Work!
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Then, I decided to check out Denver Church on Sunday morning. It was literally a 15 minute walk from my apartment. They met in an elementary school and it was actually their one year anniversary as a church! I knew this place felt right the moment I walked in the doors. I was greeted by Pastor Bryan and the moment I met him I could tell he has a real heart for the Lord. His message was a highlight of how the Church has grown over the last year and where God is leading this church. What a great time for me to come him and hear the overview. The church was like a family and made up of people my age. I have really been looking to surround myself with Godly people that are my age and this was that answered prayer. They finished the service with a song Church of the Highlands introduced while I was in Birmingham called, "God of this City." It really solidified this church for me. The icing on the cake was, after the service I spoke with Pastor Bryan about the fact that I went to Victory Church and he told me that the Worship Leader Kirk, was actually Pastor Mike's son-in-law. WOW!
Then this morning there was another answered prayer. My very good friend Sarah has had a very hard time since her and her boyfriend broke up. I can relate with her and we have really strengthened our friendship over the past few months. I have really been praying for her as she has been struggling with the pain of this ended relationship. I have tried to share with her how the Lord is bringing me through my hurt. She has been a great friend for me during this time in my life. Well my prayer was answered this morning as we were chatting online as we do a lot of mornings at work. She told me she was really having a hard time and upset about making some regretful decisions. I told her there is only one way to get your life back in line and that comes by allowing Christ into your life. This seemed foreign to her. I began to describe this transformation process that has taken place in my life and my buddy John's life, because she has recognized this change. She asked me how does she go about letting Christ be the focal point in her life. I said by praying to God that all her sins be forgiven and for Jesus to be Lord of her life. This must be done with a sincere heart, but God will hear her prayer and salvation will take manifestation in her life. I felt like God had opened up this conversation and the Holy Spirit was giving me the words to say (type). She got back to me in about 20 minutes and she said that she had done this. She told me she was full of tears and I told her I was absolutely ecstatic for her. I never dreamed God would have used me to help Sarah find this, but it was awesome. She was floored that John and I cared so much about her that we had been praying this would happen in her life for over 5 months. I told her this is love and compassion for others that God will place on your heart, once salvation takes place in your life. I could not stop emphasizing how excited I was for her. I called my buddy John and shared this with him and I think he was like a deer in the headlights once he heard what had just happened. I then spoke with Sarah's best friend Lauren, who had just had a conversation with Sarah last night about following Christ. I told Lauren I would let Sarah tell her what happened. I am so proud of Lauren as she has come such a long way and it is tremendous to see the Lord becoming so prevalent in Lauren's life.
God is good my friends.
As John would say, Do Work!
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A few days in Birmingham
WOW! It was such a blast being back with all my friends over the past few days. God has truly blessed me with friends that love me and understand me without me saying a thing. All of my friends just wanted to know how I was doing and it was so refreshing to share with them where I am in life. It was also awesome to hear where they were and the their thoughts of what they want to do with their lives.
God revealed some things to me during my time there that were truly remarkable. There was a conversation we were having about someone going through something. And one of my best friend’s, Martin was being somewhat critical of how this person handled a situation. He then asked me what I thought about it, then he quickly caught himself and said, “Elliot will forgive them and he does not pass judgment on people.” He said this in front of my other friends. Martin knows me very well and has recognized that I hate to get in conversations where someone is being talked badly about. His comment made me start thinking about gifts of the Spirit. I then got into a conversation later that evening with my buddy John and shared with him Martin’s comment. John didn’t hesitate to say that the Lord has blessed me with a gift to see the good in people and look passed their sinful actions, recognizing the goodness in their heart. I was blown away as we continued discussing this, merely by the revelation I was having. It started to make so much sense. I know this had always been in me, but it took me finding salvation for this to take fruition in my life. God has given us all gifts and a purpose to carry out for His kingdom. Life matters so much more when things like this are opened up.
Also, during my time in the ‘Ham I was able to meet with Robert Record, the Director of Church of the Highland’s downtown Dream Center. It was so funny how this happened. John and I were at church Sunday morning, and as service was nearing to an end I asked him if we could try and find Robert. We bumped into Pastor Steve Blair and I asked him if he knew where we could find Robert. He said he is actually right behind you. Wow! I walked over to Robert and nervously introduced myself. I told him that I had sent him an email a few weeks back concerning the Dream Center. He was amazed that he had not read it, because he normally was very good about checking his emails. Anyways, he asked if we would like to grab lunch that afternoon. Dumbfounded, I said absolutely. So, John and I went to grab some Mexican food with him. Robert shared with us how he got started with this and the vision for the Dream Center. Believe it or not he is from Louisiana, seems like everyone I meet is from this great state (I have no idea what God is trying to tell me by this). John and I were blown away by the vision for the Dream Center, as it is going to be a full circle economic development center for downtown Birmingham. I was under the assumption it was going to be a glorified homeless shelter. It will be far more than this, providing: housing, medical clinics, job placement, recreation, and much more for those people struggling in this area. I then shared with Robert how I felt God calling me to this ministry and my vision for how God wants to use me to expand ministries like this around the country. It was such an amazing conversation we had and I know this is going to be blessed.
There were other things revealed to me, a truly heartfelt conversation between my buddy Trey and I on the way to airport, as I was getting ready to leave. I was able to share with Trey that I had been praying for him and I was so happy to see where God has brought him. It was an answered prayer to go to church with John and Trey on the Wednesday night I got into town. It was also awesome to see where Trey and his girlfriend Haley are. He was in a similar place in his life that I was at during my last semester in Gainesville. It was God revealing to Trey what was in front of him and thank the Lord Trey was able to recognize God calling out to him.
Plus, in the first time in my life I was given the opportunity to pray for all my friends before we had breakfast one morning at the lake. I felt like my dad, as I recall from my childhood days my dad was always asked to pray before a group of us would eat. I was so excited that they asked me to pray for the meal we were receiving. I am so thankful I was able to go home and visit with all my best friends.
Thank you Lord!
be blessed,
your boy elbow
God revealed some things to me during my time there that were truly remarkable. There was a conversation we were having about someone going through something. And one of my best friend’s, Martin was being somewhat critical of how this person handled a situation. He then asked me what I thought about it, then he quickly caught himself and said, “Elliot will forgive them and he does not pass judgment on people.” He said this in front of my other friends. Martin knows me very well and has recognized that I hate to get in conversations where someone is being talked badly about. His comment made me start thinking about gifts of the Spirit. I then got into a conversation later that evening with my buddy John and shared with him Martin’s comment. John didn’t hesitate to say that the Lord has blessed me with a gift to see the good in people and look passed their sinful actions, recognizing the goodness in their heart. I was blown away as we continued discussing this, merely by the revelation I was having. It started to make so much sense. I know this had always been in me, but it took me finding salvation for this to take fruition in my life. God has given us all gifts and a purpose to carry out for His kingdom. Life matters so much more when things like this are opened up.
Also, during my time in the ‘Ham I was able to meet with Robert Record, the Director of Church of the Highland’s downtown Dream Center. It was so funny how this happened. John and I were at church Sunday morning, and as service was nearing to an end I asked him if we could try and find Robert. We bumped into Pastor Steve Blair and I asked him if he knew where we could find Robert. He said he is actually right behind you. Wow! I walked over to Robert and nervously introduced myself. I told him that I had sent him an email a few weeks back concerning the Dream Center. He was amazed that he had not read it, because he normally was very good about checking his emails. Anyways, he asked if we would like to grab lunch that afternoon. Dumbfounded, I said absolutely. So, John and I went to grab some Mexican food with him. Robert shared with us how he got started with this and the vision for the Dream Center. Believe it or not he is from Louisiana, seems like everyone I meet is from this great state (I have no idea what God is trying to tell me by this). John and I were blown away by the vision for the Dream Center, as it is going to be a full circle economic development center for downtown Birmingham. I was under the assumption it was going to be a glorified homeless shelter. It will be far more than this, providing: housing, medical clinics, job placement, recreation, and much more for those people struggling in this area. I then shared with Robert how I felt God calling me to this ministry and my vision for how God wants to use me to expand ministries like this around the country. It was such an amazing conversation we had and I know this is going to be blessed.
There were other things revealed to me, a truly heartfelt conversation between my buddy Trey and I on the way to airport, as I was getting ready to leave. I was able to share with Trey that I had been praying for him and I was so happy to see where God has brought him. It was an answered prayer to go to church with John and Trey on the Wednesday night I got into town. It was also awesome to see where Trey and his girlfriend Haley are. He was in a similar place in his life that I was at during my last semester in Gainesville. It was God revealing to Trey what was in front of him and thank the Lord Trey was able to recognize God calling out to him.
Plus, in the first time in my life I was given the opportunity to pray for all my friends before we had breakfast one morning at the lake. I felt like my dad, as I recall from my childhood days my dad was always asked to pray before a group of us would eat. I was so excited that they asked me to pray for the meal we were receiving. I am so thankful I was able to go home and visit with all my best friends.
Thank you Lord!
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
current state
I really do not know what to write about today, I just feel a need to put something out for everyone who has been reading this. It is so cool to get a random email or when someone points out something they had read in my blog. Especially if I had never shared my blog address to them. Life has been very busy for the last few days.
I have been working til midnight nearly the last two weeks in order to be ready for our big presentation tomorrow in front of 150 investors from all over the world. We received a verbal commitment for $500,000 yesterday, a prayer answered. I just want to ask that you all keep this in your prayers over the next few days as we are completing this financial process. Thank you for keeping Hunter and I in your prayers.
Next Wednesday I am flying back to Birmingham for a week and I ecstatic to see all my friends. These people mean the world to me and I just looking forward to being in their company. I hope I can make myself leave, but it'll be hard as I will probably eat Full Moon Barbeque everyday I am there. I am really looking forward to attending Church of the Highlands both Wednesday night and Sunday. Pastor Chris Hodges always pours his heart into every message and it is awesome to see the Lord shine out of this man.
I am eagerly ready for work to slow down so that I can spend more time for prayer, church, my bible reading, Hunter, and whatever the Lord has in store for me. I spoke with my buddy Andy about working with his brother at the Denver rescue mission. This is the Jesus Saves center downtown and they work with homeless people, who generally have extreme substance abuse problems. I cannot wait to help out over there. I feel that I am lining up with God's path when I am spending time with people in these situations. And it is truly rewarding. I thank the Lord that he uses me for His work.
Love yall.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
I have been working til midnight nearly the last two weeks in order to be ready for our big presentation tomorrow in front of 150 investors from all over the world. We received a verbal commitment for $500,000 yesterday, a prayer answered. I just want to ask that you all keep this in your prayers over the next few days as we are completing this financial process. Thank you for keeping Hunter and I in your prayers.
Next Wednesday I am flying back to Birmingham for a week and I ecstatic to see all my friends. These people mean the world to me and I just looking forward to being in their company. I hope I can make myself leave, but it'll be hard as I will probably eat Full Moon Barbeque everyday I am there. I am really looking forward to attending Church of the Highlands both Wednesday night and Sunday. Pastor Chris Hodges always pours his heart into every message and it is awesome to see the Lord shine out of this man.
I am eagerly ready for work to slow down so that I can spend more time for prayer, church, my bible reading, Hunter, and whatever the Lord has in store for me. I spoke with my buddy Andy about working with his brother at the Denver rescue mission. This is the Jesus Saves center downtown and they work with homeless people, who generally have extreme substance abuse problems. I cannot wait to help out over there. I feel that I am lining up with God's path when I am spending time with people in these situations. And it is truly rewarding. I thank the Lord that he uses me for His work.
Love yall.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Thursday, August 14, 2008
work
I am sorry to all of you who read my blog, as it has been a few days since I have added anything. I have been so swamped at work, literally working at the office til midnight for the past few nights. This has caused a distance for me from the Lord over the last few days. I know that working is no excuse for this, but it has been hard to bring myself to the spiritual level I want/need to be at. I know God is watching over me through this busy time and I want to give Him all the praise and glory for everything He provides for me.
I have had a couple of chats with Dominic, Mike, and John about this and they all explained that as Christians we go through "dry spells." But I do not want to miss out from all of the amazing things the Lord has to offer me, because I am tired or not up to it after a long day. Those are merely excuses that I do not want to succumb to. Dominic shared with me the story of Jesus in the wilderness and how the Devil tempted him over and over. Jesus overcame the distance from God, through perseverance and dedicated faith in God.
I know God has all of my life in His hands, but I want to be so much closer so that I may be living the life God has planned for me. Because I know down His path there are abundant blessings waiting for me. I just need to strengthen my faith and trust in the mighty God we serve.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
I have had a couple of chats with Dominic, Mike, and John about this and they all explained that as Christians we go through "dry spells." But I do not want to miss out from all of the amazing things the Lord has to offer me, because I am tired or not up to it after a long day. Those are merely excuses that I do not want to succumb to. Dominic shared with me the story of Jesus in the wilderness and how the Devil tempted him over and over. Jesus overcame the distance from God, through perseverance and dedicated faith in God.
I know God has all of my life in His hands, but I want to be so much closer so that I may be living the life God has planned for me. Because I know down His path there are abundant blessings waiting for me. I just need to strengthen my faith and trust in the mighty God we serve.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Monday, August 11, 2008
growing up
I had a very meaningful conversation with my boy John Bryant this morning and then just a few minutes later I seemed to be having a very similar conversation with my friend Sarah. We talked about how we are ready to grow up and hope that are friends are ready to do the same. Both John and Sarah shared with me how disheartening is to see our friends waste night after night at the bars. John brought up one of our friends who is really struggling with this right now and he asked me to keep this friend in our prayers. The drinking has become such a convenient outlet for our friends to deal with their issues. I cannot judge them one bit, because I used to be in that very same boat. I just care about them so much that I want the best for them. And hearing from both John and Sarah it sounds like there are a lot of problems that come directly from their drinking habits.
In the same conversation with John we both shared how we are ready to move on to the next stage of our lives. We are both ready to settle down and have someone in our lives who we can intimately give our lives too. We both expressed that we want that special someone to be a strong moral influence in our life. Someone that we can grow with spiritually and emotionally is a priceless joy of life we are both excitedly anticipating. Giving all I have to the woman I love, so that all of her heart's needs and desires are abundantly met is a prayer I pray daily. It was so encouraging that John felt the same way.
I told John that I grow spiritually when God places someone in my life that needs help and I am there to guide them on their walk with Christ. When I am able to bring someone farther along on their walk with the Lord I receive so much wisdom and knowledge for my own life. For me there has been no greater moment in my life, when God used to me to lead Hunter to salvation. I believe there is no higher moment in big brother's life.
Thank you Lord.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
In the same conversation with John we both shared how we are ready to move on to the next stage of our lives. We are both ready to settle down and have someone in our lives who we can intimately give our lives too. We both expressed that we want that special someone to be a strong moral influence in our life. Someone that we can grow with spiritually and emotionally is a priceless joy of life we are both excitedly anticipating. Giving all I have to the woman I love, so that all of her heart's needs and desires are abundantly met is a prayer I pray daily. It was so encouraging that John felt the same way.
I told John that I grow spiritually when God places someone in my life that needs help and I am there to guide them on their walk with Christ. When I am able to bring someone farther along on their walk with the Lord I receive so much wisdom and knowledge for my own life. For me there has been no greater moment in my life, when God used to me to lead Hunter to salvation. I believe there is no higher moment in big brother's life.
Thank you Lord.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
update
The idea of fasting has reappeared in my life over the last few weeks, so Hunter and I decided to do a two-week fast together. We wanted to do this in order to grow closer to God and depend on Him for all. We are now on day four of the fast. I was talking to a buddy last night and told him that I do not want this to be out me and my own personal gain. And to be quite honest, that is how it feels right now. I feel more distant from God, even though I want to be so much closer. I want God to guide me and walk me through this. It seems as if this has become a self will power, even though there have been times where God has eased my stomach pains. If anyone has any advice or wisdom over this I am certainly open to your comments.
On another note, I ran into Roland (the man God used to show me a vision) on Saturday. And I could not believe the transformation that has taken place in this man's life. When I met him he was very rough and vulgar. And just over the few weeks we had been apart God has worked wonders in his life. There was so much joy and life beaming from this man's heart. Roland was a new man and he accredited the Lord to his new beginning.
I tell you there is no greater joy in life than when God uses you to touch someone's life. Roland had shared with me that night we had shared together, when he had just gotten out of jail, was the Lord speaking to him. I certainly do not want to take any of the glory, but I am so joyful that God used me to show this man a life of eternal forgiveness and love.
Lastly, my parents have just left to move to Key West. I have never heard them more excited about anything in my entire life. I am so proud of them and know they will be used for God's purpose. My mom said to me this morning, "Can you believe we are moving to the beach?" A life long dream of theirs and no mom I cannot believe yall are moving to the beach. I believe God has gone above and beyond anything they could ever imagine with the situation He has placed them in. Not only will they be working together, which will strengthen their marriage, but they will be helping foster kids experience a wonderful life they were intended. It is just icing on the cake that this job is on the beach. I know my parents would have taken this even if it were in some podunk country town. God just decided to bless them for their obedience.
I wanted to thank everyone who reads my blog. It has really become a great tool in my life for me to express the things I am experiencing.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
On another note, I ran into Roland (the man God used to show me a vision) on Saturday. And I could not believe the transformation that has taken place in this man's life. When I met him he was very rough and vulgar. And just over the few weeks we had been apart God has worked wonders in his life. There was so much joy and life beaming from this man's heart. Roland was a new man and he accredited the Lord to his new beginning.
I tell you there is no greater joy in life than when God uses you to touch someone's life. Roland had shared with me that night we had shared together, when he had just gotten out of jail, was the Lord speaking to him. I certainly do not want to take any of the glory, but I am so joyful that God used me to show this man a life of eternal forgiveness and love.
Lastly, my parents have just left to move to Key West. I have never heard them more excited about anything in my entire life. I am so proud of them and know they will be used for God's purpose. My mom said to me this morning, "Can you believe we are moving to the beach?" A life long dream of theirs and no mom I cannot believe yall are moving to the beach. I believe God has gone above and beyond anything they could ever imagine with the situation He has placed them in. Not only will they be working together, which will strengthen their marriage, but they will be helping foster kids experience a wonderful life they were intended. It is just icing on the cake that this job is on the beach. I know my parents would have taken this even if it were in some podunk country town. God just decided to bless them for their obedience.
I wanted to thank everyone who reads my blog. It has really become a great tool in my life for me to express the things I am experiencing.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Friday, August 1, 2008
Humility, Forgiveness, Repentance
I was listening to a podcast from Church of the Highlands this afternoon and it really spoke to me. I began listening to the message and Pastor Hodges was preaching about receiving a touch from God. As he started with this message I assumed I knew what he would say. I figured he would say we need to get rid of disbelief and grab on to the fact that God is with us at all times. Pastor Hodges always talks about people in church filling in the blanks on the notes section before he has even said anything. Anyways, hearing the message I thought I was going to hear made me think I am trying to what I thought he would preach and nothing is happening. Somewhat of a frustrating feeling
Well this was myself getting in the way of God's word. Because the first barrier Pastor Hodges opened with was selfishness. This struck me and I knew this was my problem, that I need to readdress this issue and rid it of my life. He explained living a life of humility and for others is what God wants of us.
The next was seeking a deep forgiveness of the things or people who bring us down. This is so true and something I also need to readdress. Living a life of abundant forgiveness is also what God desires from us. It is not up to us to judge others, but to love others no matter what.
The last point Pastor Hodges touched on was repentance. Getting rid of the things we do wrong and knowing that God will forgive us, if we truly open our hearts for Christ. This is something I need to strive for daily. Because I know I am going to mess things up, but seeking forgiveness will help guide me down a path of everlasting love.
I pray that I can work harder to contribute to these parts of my walk with the Lord.
This was a verse that struck me this morning:
Romans 8:26-28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Well this was myself getting in the way of God's word. Because the first barrier Pastor Hodges opened with was selfishness. This struck me and I knew this was my problem, that I need to readdress this issue and rid it of my life. He explained living a life of humility and for others is what God wants of us.
The next was seeking a deep forgiveness of the things or people who bring us down. This is so true and something I also need to readdress. Living a life of abundant forgiveness is also what God desires from us. It is not up to us to judge others, but to love others no matter what.
The last point Pastor Hodges touched on was repentance. Getting rid of the things we do wrong and knowing that God will forgive us, if we truly open our hearts for Christ. This is something I need to strive for daily. Because I know I am going to mess things up, but seeking forgiveness will help guide me down a path of everlasting love.
I pray that I can work harder to contribute to these parts of my walk with the Lord.
This was a verse that struck me this morning:
Romans 8:26-28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Thursday, July 31, 2008
J Bizzle
I wanted to write a blog expressing my appreciation for such a great buddy of mine. John Bryant has been such an amazing friend to grow with over the past few months. God has truly blessed me with his friendship. Him and I have given our lives over to the Lord and it has been awesome to walk down the road of amazement with a guy I can relate with.
We both deal with a lot of the same issues and at times we are both struggling with the very same thing. We both long for God to use us for His purpose and the journey has been a blast so far! In the early stages of my walk, John and I would go to church together. Some weeks we would even attend up to six services. This included Church of the Highlands, MountainTop, and the Basement (Matt Pitt: Holla at ya boy). I almost wish I could go back to the days where there was nothing in my life, except for whichever service we would go to that night. It was awesome to have the Lord work so quickly in my life and along side such a great friend.
John and I had such a powerful conversation the other day, where we decided to help each other out even more with the things we are dealing with. We are going to help each other by using accountability in our friendship. This way we both know what is going with each other to help one another. John told me the Pastor was talking about surrounding yourself with: mentors, people to grow with, and people you help grow. What a cool way to carry out God's will.
Guidance, accountability, discipleship.
I look forward to see how God uses this in our lives as this comes to fruition. Just to hear John tell me that he prays daily about me and my family means so much and there are truly no greater joys in life than this. I really am so thankful to have an awesome Christian friend like John.
Hollllllllaaaaa at a playaaa when you see him on the streeeetts.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
We both deal with a lot of the same issues and at times we are both struggling with the very same thing. We both long for God to use us for His purpose and the journey has been a blast so far! In the early stages of my walk, John and I would go to church together. Some weeks we would even attend up to six services. This included Church of the Highlands, MountainTop, and the Basement (Matt Pitt: Holla at ya boy). I almost wish I could go back to the days where there was nothing in my life, except for whichever service we would go to that night. It was awesome to have the Lord work so quickly in my life and along side such a great friend.
John and I had such a powerful conversation the other day, where we decided to help each other out even more with the things we are dealing with. We are going to help each other by using accountability in our friendship. This way we both know what is going with each other to help one another. John told me the Pastor was talking about surrounding yourself with: mentors, people to grow with, and people you help grow. What a cool way to carry out God's will.
Guidance, accountability, discipleship.
I look forward to see how God uses this in our lives as this comes to fruition. Just to hear John tell me that he prays daily about me and my family means so much and there are truly no greater joys in life than this. I really am so thankful to have an awesome Christian friend like John.
Hollllllllaaaaa at a playaaa when you see him on the streeeetts.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Friday, July 25, 2008
Everyman's Battle
I just started a new book this morning on my ride to Boulder. It is called, "Everyman's Battle." It deals with something we (men) have always struggled with.
Lust.
It is disgusting and feelings of regret quickly overflow my mind every time it comes about. I hate the feeling that I have scanned a woman with dirty eyes. Women are a treasure that God created to be cherished, loved, and respected. They have so much to offer to this world and they are nurturers of God's love. Looking over them with worldly eyes is so unfair for men and women.
I have been strongly convicted of this over the past few weeks and I am taking measures to correct this. But it is hard. I am asking the Lord to help me with this. Lust dates back to when I was younger and it is going to be a battle to overcome this. Yet, I want so badly to defeat this sin that affects me day in and day out. For a lot of my time on this earth I have used charm to take advantage of girls and it has come back to tear me apart. You reap what you sow.
Or as the rapper Common states, "I spent many years trying to be the heartthrob, I guess it's only right that I got my heart robbed."
I know God is going to lead me through this, but I have to fight to conquer this. The book I started this morning opened with the following verse:
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Ephesians 5:3
Lord help me.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Lust.
It is disgusting and feelings of regret quickly overflow my mind every time it comes about. I hate the feeling that I have scanned a woman with dirty eyes. Women are a treasure that God created to be cherished, loved, and respected. They have so much to offer to this world and they are nurturers of God's love. Looking over them with worldly eyes is so unfair for men and women.
I have been strongly convicted of this over the past few weeks and I am taking measures to correct this. But it is hard. I am asking the Lord to help me with this. Lust dates back to when I was younger and it is going to be a battle to overcome this. Yet, I want so badly to defeat this sin that affects me day in and day out. For a lot of my time on this earth I have used charm to take advantage of girls and it has come back to tear me apart. You reap what you sow.
Or as the rapper Common states, "I spent many years trying to be the heartthrob, I guess it's only right that I got my heart robbed."
I know God is going to lead me through this, but I have to fight to conquer this. The book I started this morning opened with the following verse:
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Ephesians 5:3
Lord help me.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
help
Yesterday I was struck with something so simple yet so powerful.
Ask God for help.
I do not know why this has not come to me before, maybe because of my stubbornness or my pride. It came to me as I was up the the other night talking with Jay, hearing about the things life has brought him through. My prayers that night seemed refreshing and I felt a sense of humility.
But the next day Satan made me feel inadequate and guilty for asking God for help and favor. Guilt and a lack of confidence washed over me, which began to bring me down. I hate days like that. It can be the smallest thing that can spiral your day down so quickly.
I was working at the hotel and I had given a lady directions to the Walgreens (5 blocks north). I had been somewhat busy and then my day began to slow down. As it began to slow down is when the feelings I described transpired. Literally 30 seconds after these thoughts rushed into my mind, here comes this lady I had sent to Walgreens. Yet, she had a Taco Bell bag in her hand, and she said, "I didn't make it all the way there." I thought in my mind you were so close, only a half block away. I thought, "you've gone so far, why did you give up?" That quickly struck me to the situation I am dealing with. I have made it so far, why would I want to give up. It seems to be getting harder some days, but I know that day will come.
Jay encouraged me to read to the story of Jeremiah. So that is what I will diving into for the next few weeks. Hopefully, God will speak to and through me.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Ask God for help.
I do not know why this has not come to me before, maybe because of my stubbornness or my pride. It came to me as I was up the the other night talking with Jay, hearing about the things life has brought him through. My prayers that night seemed refreshing and I felt a sense of humility.
But the next day Satan made me feel inadequate and guilty for asking God for help and favor. Guilt and a lack of confidence washed over me, which began to bring me down. I hate days like that. It can be the smallest thing that can spiral your day down so quickly.
I was working at the hotel and I had given a lady directions to the Walgreens (5 blocks north). I had been somewhat busy and then my day began to slow down. As it began to slow down is when the feelings I described transpired. Literally 30 seconds after these thoughts rushed into my mind, here comes this lady I had sent to Walgreens. Yet, she had a Taco Bell bag in her hand, and she said, "I didn't make it all the way there." I thought in my mind you were so close, only a half block away. I thought, "you've gone so far, why did you give up?" That quickly struck me to the situation I am dealing with. I have made it so far, why would I want to give up. It seems to be getting harder some days, but I know that day will come.
Jay encouraged me to read to the story of Jeremiah. So that is what I will diving into for the next few weeks. Hopefully, God will speak to and through me.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Friday, July 18, 2008
Spiritual Wisdom
Yesterday I met with my Pastor, Pastor Mike Ware. I met with him as I was seeking spiritual wisdom. I had never heard the term spiritual father until the last few weeks. God was holding back until I was ready to seek spiritual wisdom for my life. Because once I heard the term spiritual father, I heard it a number of times. Each time more profound than the previous.
So, I went to Pastor Mike to discuss with him about me joining the ministry. I shared with him the things that have transpired in my life and how God has put a calling on my heart. He shared with me his story and how he was called into the ministry. He was working on a prayer team at New Bethany church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He felt that God had put a calling on his life to join the ministry, but he went on for three years before God told him when. He told me he was on a mission trip in India and he was on the beach praying to God when God told him it was time to step out and join the ministry. So, when Pastor Mike returned to Baton Rouge he went to Pastor Larry Stockstill to let him know he wanted to get on board with ministry. Pastor Stockstill told him that there was actually a pastoral position available. Pastor Stockstill went on to tell him that Pastor Mike's name came up over dinner with his wife as they were talking about the vacancy in their church. Pastor Mike asked him when were they talking about this. Pastor Stockstill said it was the previous Thursday night. Well Pastor Mike did the time calculation and it was the exact same time when God spoke to him on the beach in India (Friday morning).
Wow.
I shared with Pastor Ware about how God had revealed His purpose for me. He told me that people come in his office all the time feeling that God was calling them into the minstry, but few followed through with it. But he said he could certainly tell that God was calling me. I felt a great assurance that he could sense God was using me. I went on to tell him that I felt a calling back to Birmingham. He told me that I should go back to Birmingham and survey the land and see if it feels right. He said if I am going to move back, "I have to know that I know that I know." He was speaking patience over me. That scary word that keeps coming up in my life.
I asked Pastor Mike if he could contact Pastor Chris Hodges (Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL) and he told me that he was flying to Birmingham next week. He said he would certainly ask Pastor Hodges what was happening with the Dream Center that they were building. I felt this was such a blessing that he would do this for me.
I am now praying that God gives me clarity of when and where He wants to use me for His glory. Thank you Pastor Mike.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
So, I went to Pastor Mike to discuss with him about me joining the ministry. I shared with him the things that have transpired in my life and how God has put a calling on my heart. He shared with me his story and how he was called into the ministry. He was working on a prayer team at New Bethany church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He felt that God had put a calling on his life to join the ministry, but he went on for three years before God told him when. He told me he was on a mission trip in India and he was on the beach praying to God when God told him it was time to step out and join the ministry. So, when Pastor Mike returned to Baton Rouge he went to Pastor Larry Stockstill to let him know he wanted to get on board with ministry. Pastor Stockstill told him that there was actually a pastoral position available. Pastor Stockstill went on to tell him that Pastor Mike's name came up over dinner with his wife as they were talking about the vacancy in their church. Pastor Mike asked him when were they talking about this. Pastor Stockstill said it was the previous Thursday night. Well Pastor Mike did the time calculation and it was the exact same time when God spoke to him on the beach in India (Friday morning).
Wow.
I shared with Pastor Ware about how God had revealed His purpose for me. He told me that people come in his office all the time feeling that God was calling them into the minstry, but few followed through with it. But he said he could certainly tell that God was calling me. I felt a great assurance that he could sense God was using me. I went on to tell him that I felt a calling back to Birmingham. He told me that I should go back to Birmingham and survey the land and see if it feels right. He said if I am going to move back, "I have to know that I know that I know." He was speaking patience over me. That scary word that keeps coming up in my life.
I asked Pastor Mike if he could contact Pastor Chris Hodges (Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL) and he told me that he was flying to Birmingham next week. He said he would certainly ask Pastor Hodges what was happening with the Dream Center that they were building. I felt this was such a blessing that he would do this for me.
I am now praying that God gives me clarity of when and where He wants to use me for His glory. Thank you Pastor Mike.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Monday, July 14, 2008
God's Work
The last few weeks, I have been figuring out what God has in store for me. I feel a calling into the ministry, but I am not totally sure where the Lord wants me. However, I do know that I am supposed to commit my time to helping those who are unfortunately homeless. My heart truly goes out to them. Plus, the vision I had last week and how it manifested in my life through someone who was in need of a friend, was a bold confirmation.
So, I am trying to figure out where I am supposed to be. Something that has been on my heart for quite some time is the Dream Center that Church of the Highlands is building in downtown Birmingham. This will be a church/mission center for the homeless in Birmingham. I feel God leading me there. Yet, at the same time I just meet Andy (Casey's roomate) and his brother is one of the directors for the Jesus Saves mission center in Denver. I feel that Birmingham would be a better place for me to grow spiritually by surrounding myself with Godly people and my friends who will love and support me through anything (Thanks yall).
Denver is still home to the love of my life, Molly. I do not know what to do about this situation. We are supposed to get together soon and I hope she sees God living in me and the transformation that has taken place in my life. I got a chance to speak with Greg (Molly's brother) and he told me was glad that I was in Denver. I have so much love for the Giuffra family as they have been so loving and understanding through everything that has taken place over the last year.
These are the things that have been weighing on my heart. I am going to speak with Pastor Mike Ware on Thursday to get some spiritual advice over this matter. Also, I want to see how I should go about getting involved in the ministry.
Billy Hornsby spoke to our church on Sunday and he left us with a quote that spoke to many areas of my life. It also speaks to those who have failed and are looking to God to find a life of everlasting love.
"God's greatest successes is redeeming our greatest failures."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
So, I am trying to figure out where I am supposed to be. Something that has been on my heart for quite some time is the Dream Center that Church of the Highlands is building in downtown Birmingham. This will be a church/mission center for the homeless in Birmingham. I feel God leading me there. Yet, at the same time I just meet Andy (Casey's roomate) and his brother is one of the directors for the Jesus Saves mission center in Denver. I feel that Birmingham would be a better place for me to grow spiritually by surrounding myself with Godly people and my friends who will love and support me through anything (Thanks yall).
Denver is still home to the love of my life, Molly. I do not know what to do about this situation. We are supposed to get together soon and I hope she sees God living in me and the transformation that has taken place in my life. I got a chance to speak with Greg (Molly's brother) and he told me was glad that I was in Denver. I have so much love for the Giuffra family as they have been so loving and understanding through everything that has taken place over the last year.
These are the things that have been weighing on my heart. I am going to speak with Pastor Mike Ware on Thursday to get some spiritual advice over this matter. Also, I want to see how I should go about getting involved in the ministry.
Billy Hornsby spoke to our church on Sunday and he left us with a quote that spoke to many areas of my life. It also speaks to those who have failed and are looking to God to find a life of everlasting love.
"God's greatest successes is redeeming our greatest failures."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
vision
Yesterday was a powerful day for me spiritually. I have a 50 minute commute every day from Denver to Boulder. During this time, I try and read my devotion and have my morning prayer. It has become somewhat of a routine for me now. As I was praying yesterday a vision popped into my head and it was nothing more than a bible being placed into a grocery bag...who knows? I began trying to figure what this meant and nothing came to me. So, I went on with my day as the bus pulled into the depot in Boulder.
I had to be back in Denver to work my evening shift that afternoon. I went into work and it was fairly busy, made a few bucks. I stayed there until 10 o'clock and then got on the mall shuttle to go home. A man with a warm smile on the bus asked me what time it was. I told him it was 5 after 10. He then asked if I had a cell phone that he could use. I was a little reluctant to lend him my phone, as I could tell he was a man from the streets. Yet, I let him use as we got off and we sat down on a bench near my street. He said he needed to call, "his white friend Matt" and let him know he had just got out of jail. Matt did not answer but he thanked me for allowing him to use the phone. We then began talking and come to find out Roland Milton had 9 children. I could discern this man had a good heart, but trouble seemed to find his path.
He had just been released on Sunday, after spending two years in jail for theft and some sort of domestic violence. The Holy Spirit told me to buy this guy dinner and he happily accepted. There was no other place that I could think of other than Leela's. He ordered a cheeseburger and a coke. We conversed for nearly two hours at Leela's as he shared with me his life and the trials he had been through. Roland was raised in Houston and moved to Denver in 1984, but had always been in the "hood." He used my phone to call his 21 year old son Michael and I could quickly tell he was a great father. He repeated over and over on the phone "your dad loves you." This struck my heart as this man had been through hell and back, but still knew his family came first. He told me a lot of troubles began when he was younger and he grew tired of hearing his mother complain about eviction notices and so forth. So, he decided to something about it. In the "hood," you had to what you had to do in order to make money. I believe this man has done and seen some things that would terrify most of us. But I could tell his heart was good. While he was eating, I asked him was there anything I could do for him. He simply said, "be my friend."
We left Leela's and started to walk around. He shared with me how I need to love my parents and the ones closest to me through anything. Because these are the people that will always be there for you. And you should love the ones closest to you no matter what, because God has blessed you with them. This man had so much too give. I asked him one more time, was there anything I could do for him. He asked if I had some clothes that he could have. I felt the presence of God telling me it was okay to invite this man into my apartment to give him a change of clothes. So, I brought Roland up and handed him some jeans and a Gator tee. He was happy to receive anything. As he was changing I was flipping through a pocket sized Bible we have. A verse struck me. "I do not pray to be taken out of this world, but delivered from evil." This was exactly what Roland had been conveying to me. He did not want to do wrong, but knows he wants to change. I decided I would give him this Bible, since Hunter and I have a collection of them. He changed his clothes and I grabbed a bag for him to toss his old clothes into. I turned around to close the cabinet and when I turned back around I was dumbfounded by what I saw in Roland's hands. A Bible and a grocery bag. Just like my vision from the morning. I was shaking.
God is a powerful and amazing God.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
I had to be back in Denver to work my evening shift that afternoon. I went into work and it was fairly busy, made a few bucks. I stayed there until 10 o'clock and then got on the mall shuttle to go home. A man with a warm smile on the bus asked me what time it was. I told him it was 5 after 10. He then asked if I had a cell phone that he could use. I was a little reluctant to lend him my phone, as I could tell he was a man from the streets. Yet, I let him use as we got off and we sat down on a bench near my street. He said he needed to call, "his white friend Matt" and let him know he had just got out of jail. Matt did not answer but he thanked me for allowing him to use the phone. We then began talking and come to find out Roland Milton had 9 children. I could discern this man had a good heart, but trouble seemed to find his path.
He had just been released on Sunday, after spending two years in jail for theft and some sort of domestic violence. The Holy Spirit told me to buy this guy dinner and he happily accepted. There was no other place that I could think of other than Leela's. He ordered a cheeseburger and a coke. We conversed for nearly two hours at Leela's as he shared with me his life and the trials he had been through. Roland was raised in Houston and moved to Denver in 1984, but had always been in the "hood." He used my phone to call his 21 year old son Michael and I could quickly tell he was a great father. He repeated over and over on the phone "your dad loves you." This struck my heart as this man had been through hell and back, but still knew his family came first. He told me a lot of troubles began when he was younger and he grew tired of hearing his mother complain about eviction notices and so forth. So, he decided to something about it. In the "hood," you had to what you had to do in order to make money. I believe this man has done and seen some things that would terrify most of us. But I could tell his heart was good. While he was eating, I asked him was there anything I could do for him. He simply said, "be my friend."
We left Leela's and started to walk around. He shared with me how I need to love my parents and the ones closest to me through anything. Because these are the people that will always be there for you. And you should love the ones closest to you no matter what, because God has blessed you with them. This man had so much too give. I asked him one more time, was there anything I could do for him. He asked if I had some clothes that he could have. I felt the presence of God telling me it was okay to invite this man into my apartment to give him a change of clothes. So, I brought Roland up and handed him some jeans and a Gator tee. He was happy to receive anything. As he was changing I was flipping through a pocket sized Bible we have. A verse struck me. "I do not pray to be taken out of this world, but delivered from evil." This was exactly what Roland had been conveying to me. He did not want to do wrong, but knows he wants to change. I decided I would give him this Bible, since Hunter and I have a collection of them. He changed his clothes and I grabbed a bag for him to toss his old clothes into. I turned around to close the cabinet and when I turned back around I was dumbfounded by what I saw in Roland's hands. A Bible and a grocery bag. Just like my vision from the morning. I was shaking.
God is a powerful and amazing God.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Thursday, July 3, 2008
God's responsibility
Work is starting to bog me down. I am either in Boulder or at the hotel in Denver, some days both. It makes me enjoy the time I get to spend with Hunter and my friends. So, when I got off of work last night I went over to read my Bible, with an iced spiced chai at Leela's. Casey came over to meet me, he wanted to share with me about his ex-girlfriend reaching out to him, who he still loves with all his heart. I think it is so amazing how God brings us together as we seem to be going through very similar moments in our lives. We both could talk all night about the ones we love. We then just kicked it at our place last night and watched The Office. But it made me appreciate how much I enjoy just being around good friends. Even though I have not know Casey for very long, he is a great friend with a great heart.
My mom shared with me something yesterday that was rather profound; it is God's responsibility that we hear His calling and purpose for our lives.
WOW!
A verse I underlined in my Bible last night: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
be blessed,
your boy elbow
My mom shared with me something yesterday that was rather profound; it is God's responsibility that we hear His calling and purpose for our lives.
WOW!
A verse I underlined in my Bible last night: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
fellowship
Last night was a typical night at Leela's. Yet, we always find ourselves in a great conversation, where we all tend to feed off of each other. Hunter's friend Taylor was visiting Denver for the evening and we had to take him to the spot (Leela's). We called Casey and then Chris and his friends showed up. It almost seems expected now that everyone will congregate there. We were just chillin and talking about the girls we love; comes up often. Chris, Casey, Adam, and I talked til about 12:30 and I can really feel God working when we are engaging in Godly conversations. It is awesome to have people you can discuss openly the things you have going on in your life. This is why I feel I need to surround myself with Godly folks, especially in my earlyhood of my Christian walk. This has been weighing on me more and more recently. As, I can pinpoint problems I have sometimes to the people and situations I surround myself in.
Growing...
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Growing...
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Monday, June 30, 2008
purpose
God has given us all a purpose that He wants us to live out. A quote from Office Space,"People were not created to sit behind desks in little cubicles." Through my growth over the last few months God has shown me what His purpose is for me. It has not been something I am fighting, I eagerly want to live out God's plan.
1. I want to be all for God. I want to live out His will not my own. Everyday I want to grow more and more in the Lord's image. This consists of bible study, devotion, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Convictions weigh on me whenever I miss any of these aspects in my daily life. I feel like I am missing something or I will feel myself slipping into someone I do not want to be whenever there is a hiatus from my time with the Lord. This is my foundation for my life.
2. I want to be the best man I can be for my family. God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful family, who are there for me at all time. I want to be the best son and brother I can be for them. I love them so much and through God I experience the wonderful joys with my family. I also want to be the greatest husband and father for my family when that time comes. Fulfilling all the needs of my wife and children is something I will strive for everyday. I look forward to being the man of the household and providing for my family. My wife and family deserves all of my heart, love, and affection. Being there for them through anything and everything is one of the great joys of being a husband/father that I joyfully await.
3. I want to be the best friend to all of my friends. I have certainly been blessed with great friends throughout my life. I have not really appreciated this until the last few months, since I have been away from them. I could call on them anytime for anything and they would be there. I want to be the same for them, as I care for them so much. I look forward to raising my family around theirs. Sharing in memories for the rest of my life and having people around me that I can count on at all times.
4. I want to be a servant for God in helping with problems of the world. I feel that God has given me gifts to equip me for apostleship and serving others. I have a heart for those in need and suffering with the problems of the world. I have been involved in some homeless outreach programs in Denver, and there is no greater fulfillment than doing that of God's work. I want to combine serving and being an apostle. I know that my vision and dreams are big, but they are Godly dreams, so I know they are reachable. I want to start in Birmingham with the Dream Center (Church of the Highlands Homeless Outreach/Church) and grow in a Godly environment. Then I want to spread this work across the country and eventually across the world. Working with local churches in cities to build churches/outreaches for the homeless and needy. Not only would it be for worship, but for helping the homeless get back on their feet. Help them discover God's plan for their lives. I have quite a few ideas for seeding this ministry and eventually growing it across the world.
God has blessed me, so I want to do all I can to glorify Him.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
1. I want to be all for God. I want to live out His will not my own. Everyday I want to grow more and more in the Lord's image. This consists of bible study, devotion, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Convictions weigh on me whenever I miss any of these aspects in my daily life. I feel like I am missing something or I will feel myself slipping into someone I do not want to be whenever there is a hiatus from my time with the Lord. This is my foundation for my life.
2. I want to be the best man I can be for my family. God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful family, who are there for me at all time. I want to be the best son and brother I can be for them. I love them so much and through God I experience the wonderful joys with my family. I also want to be the greatest husband and father for my family when that time comes. Fulfilling all the needs of my wife and children is something I will strive for everyday. I look forward to being the man of the household and providing for my family. My wife and family deserves all of my heart, love, and affection. Being there for them through anything and everything is one of the great joys of being a husband/father that I joyfully await.
3. I want to be the best friend to all of my friends. I have certainly been blessed with great friends throughout my life. I have not really appreciated this until the last few months, since I have been away from them. I could call on them anytime for anything and they would be there. I want to be the same for them, as I care for them so much. I look forward to raising my family around theirs. Sharing in memories for the rest of my life and having people around me that I can count on at all times.
4. I want to be a servant for God in helping with problems of the world. I feel that God has given me gifts to equip me for apostleship and serving others. I have a heart for those in need and suffering with the problems of the world. I have been involved in some homeless outreach programs in Denver, and there is no greater fulfillment than doing that of God's work. I want to combine serving and being an apostle. I know that my vision and dreams are big, but they are Godly dreams, so I know they are reachable. I want to start in Birmingham with the Dream Center (Church of the Highlands Homeless Outreach/Church) and grow in a Godly environment. Then I want to spread this work across the country and eventually across the world. Working with local churches in cities to build churches/outreaches for the homeless and needy. Not only would it be for worship, but for helping the homeless get back on their feet. Help them discover God's plan for their lives. I have quite a few ideas for seeding this ministry and eventually growing it across the world.
God has blessed me, so I want to do all I can to glorify Him.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Friday, June 27, 2008
Great Devotion
"I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 1:8 God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally - "Thy life will I give unto thee for a prey." That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are a matter of indifference, we have to sit loosely to all those things; if we do not, there will be panic and heartbreak and distress. That is the inwardness of the overshadowing of personal deliverance. The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly dealt with or not. To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self-pity - Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts. | ||
Thursday, June 26, 2008
thanks
In this life, we are constantly worrying and stressing about things we want. I just want to thank the Lord for the wonderful life He has provided for me. Giving thanks is something I overlook too often and after reading Katie Howton's blog (katiestriptoafrica.blogspot.com) about life in South Africa, I realized how blessed I am. I have such a wonderful and loving family that I am growing to appreciate more and more each day.
I used to be reluctant to discuss my concerns with them, because usually it was me behaving in a way that I was not too proud of. I would just move on to the next thing, rather than engaging the ones who love me the most. My mom might tell you that she enabled me to keep my emotional distance, because she would worry herself sick over my brother and I. There is some truth to that, because there were times in my life that I would intentionally hide things from my parents just so I could be perceived as the "good boy." I wish I would have opened up a long time ago and been real with them.
Now, I share everything with them and it is very rewarding. To have my parents pray for me and to be much more involved in the ongoings of my life, is great. They still worry about me, but that is what parents do. They care so much for Hunter and I that they get scared for us. That is how I want to be with my kids. It shows love. So, Mom, Dad, and Hunter thank you so much for loving me and being there for me every step of the way. Whether it's a late night phone call with my mom, a daily email from my dad, or an "up all night" conversation with Hunter; I know you are there.
"Families are like fudge: really sweet with a few nuts."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
I used to be reluctant to discuss my concerns with them, because usually it was me behaving in a way that I was not too proud of. I would just move on to the next thing, rather than engaging the ones who love me the most. My mom might tell you that she enabled me to keep my emotional distance, because she would worry herself sick over my brother and I. There is some truth to that, because there were times in my life that I would intentionally hide things from my parents just so I could be perceived as the "good boy." I wish I would have opened up a long time ago and been real with them.
Now, I share everything with them and it is very rewarding. To have my parents pray for me and to be much more involved in the ongoings of my life, is great. They still worry about me, but that is what parents do. They care so much for Hunter and I that they get scared for us. That is how I want to be with my kids. It shows love. So, Mom, Dad, and Hunter thank you so much for loving me and being there for me every step of the way. Whether it's a late night phone call with my mom, a daily email from my dad, or an "up all night" conversation with Hunter; I know you are there.
"Families are like fudge: really sweet with a few nuts."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
blessed are the meek
It was amazing the things God would show me when I first began living for the Lord. I rememeber someone saying to me, "Aw I wish I was there again, when I first got saved God would show me the most incredible things." Why can't it be like that everyday?
God wants to show us His amazing love all the time and wants us to receive it abundantly. When we first grow in God's image, we depend on Him for everything. Atleast for me, as I was going through the hardest time in my life I needed God minute by minute. He would guide me along and calm my broken heart. God showed me over and over that everything would be ok.
It all goes back to being meek and depending on God for ALL things. As, we grow in our walk with the Lord, why do revert back and rely on our own worldly understanding. I found myself pondering, why can't I go back to when it was a lot harder, so that I would depend on God for everything. God tells us that enduring suffering is the greatest honor in His Kingdom.
I am so thankful the Lord was there to bring me through all of my hard times and I am still battling them daily. But I want to live in meekness and lean on God's understanding, not of my own.
As the good word tells us: "blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5
I pray that I can grow more in my walk, but as I grow I want to be more childlike, so I can depend more on God for ALL.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
God wants to show us His amazing love all the time and wants us to receive it abundantly. When we first grow in God's image, we depend on Him for everything. Atleast for me, as I was going through the hardest time in my life I needed God minute by minute. He would guide me along and calm my broken heart. God showed me over and over that everything would be ok.
It all goes back to being meek and depending on God for ALL things. As, we grow in our walk with the Lord, why do revert back and rely on our own worldly understanding. I found myself pondering, why can't I go back to when it was a lot harder, so that I would depend on God for everything. God tells us that enduring suffering is the greatest honor in His Kingdom.
I am so thankful the Lord was there to bring me through all of my hard times and I am still battling them daily. But I want to live in meekness and lean on God's understanding, not of my own.
As the good word tells us: "blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5
I pray that I can grow more in my walk, but as I grow I want to be more childlike, so I can depend more on God for ALL.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ask what to ask
This morning God struck me with a revelation, that seems so simple, I cannot believe I had not realized a lot sooner. It is simply ask God what to do. I had been dealing with an issue close to my heart, a same situation the Lord had brought me along through the entire time. And sometimes I feel that I will get stuck, not knowing what to do, and there God is waiting to show me something either simple or amazing, but usually both.
He showed me this morning as I got out of the shower, just ask God what we need to ask for. Then He will show you what is next. After this was realized to me so many things that had boggled me over the last few days, became so clear. There was even an advertisement I saw a couple of times at the Rockies game, "if you do not ask, she can't say yes." I asked my mom if she could figure out why this ad was rattling around my
head. This morning God showed me, ask Him what to do and say. There was a John Mayer song at the end of, "The BucketList," which Hunter and I just watched, and he kept signing over and over, "say what you need to say." In my situation I know I need to say how I feel, but I did not know what to say. So, this morning I began to pray, God tell me what to say, instead of me wasting hours trying to figure out what to say, because I had been doing that for the last two weeks. I know He will speak through me with His words.
I know because when I did my devotion this morning after my revelation, the following verse was revealed to me:
"Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction. "Deuteronomy 33:3
It is so awesome when I get stunned by God's works or blessings. I know He is there with me at all times, He just wants me to lean on Him.
I wanted to share the people that Hunter and I have been in fellowship with over the last few months. I will probably mention them throughout my blog and wanted to identify them. We all tend to congregate at the SnoBall Shack on the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. The reason we all meet here is because our good friend Dominic owns the stand. We are either there or at Leela's, 24 hour coffee shop right near where we live.
The crew:
Dominic- I met him last year at the Black Arts Festival at City Park in Denver. I knew there was something neat about this guy when I first met him. I was not saved when I met him last year. Then when I noticed him on the mall a few months ago, I told him I loved his snoballs and reminded him we met last year. We began talking and I quickly realized he was a very Godly man. He shared with me that God had brought him through a lot of hard times and now he was to broadcast God's abundant love through the tasty flavors of New Orlean's (hometown) style SnoBalls. That's another reason we are always kicking it at the shack, because Dominic's summer treats are delicious. This man has a lot of soul and his heart if full of compassion and warmth. He is always bumping great music, but is always doing what He can to help out others. His father and his family are also there to help out. His buddy CJ, from South Caroling, is here helping out for the summer. Dominic is a truly inspired man, who I admire greatly.
Jay aka Big Daddy Black- This man has a singing voice that is unbelievable. Also from the state of Louisiana, this man has a giant heart and cares deeply about the ones around him. Jay plays his guitar on the 16th Street Mall and by mid-afternoon would be parked by the SnoBall Shack, he even wrote a theme song for the Shack. When I first met Jay I could tell he was a bit unsettled about some things in his life. Yet, as we all began to hang out more and more, the Lord really started to work in Jay's life. He was the one teaching us the scriptures and how awesome God's Love is for all. Jay just recently moved to Colorado Springs, but he said the Lord was directing him there. He knew for quite some time God had been calling him there, but he was not listening. I believe over the weeks we spent with Big Daddy, God spoke to him and showed him what was best for him. On Jay's last night in Denver we were all at Leela's for Chris' show and by the end of the night Jay was singing his heart out up on stage. A great site to see and hear. He even brought a friend that has now become part of the crew.
Casey- Jay had just met Casey his last day in Denver and they were playing music together on the mall. Casey had told Jay that he had just moved to Denver from Oklahoma City. Jay
invited him to come to Leela's that evening as we were going to watch Chris perform. He met us all there and by the end of the night Jay and Casey were playing together on stage. It seemed as if Big Daddy had been grooming Casey for years as they played together. Their performance was awesome. Hunter and I invited Casey to go to church with us the next morning and we have built a great friendship since then. We quickly came to find out that Casey was a stud athlete and he now plays on our softball team. He was the runningback for the college he had just left in OK City. A natural athlete, great musician, and an awesome friend. Check him out www.caseyess.blogspot.com yeaaasss!
Chris and Ryan Cavanaugh- We met these brothers at Leela's one evening as Chris was performing one evening. We could tell something was wonderfully different about his music. He was singing from his heart about how God had touched his life. The Holy Spirit told me to catch up with him out in the parking lot and find out what his story was. Come to find out he had just been saved like me and it came though a broken relationship and realizing the life he was living was for himself. It was wild how God orchestrated the two of us meeting. Even crazier his family was from Gainesville and had a few cousins visiting and were at the show. Well I got Chris' number that night and we told each other we had to stay in touch. Chris lost his phone over the next month and I never heard from him. Then one day Hunter and I were coming home from church and stopped at the Shack. We were ordering and with our backs turned we hear from behind us, "Yo Elliot and Hunter." Turn around and it's Chris, Ryan, and their cousins. So funny they happen to see us and at the Shack of all places. Since then our friendships have grown. They have been such wonderful friends and brothers in Christ. We are getting a bible study together, taking a trip at the end of the summer, and possibly getting a house together in the fall. They have an amazing family and their Dad is the pastor of their church. Ryan also just bought a 1972 Volkswagen Bus and is restoring it. It was recently just named the Big Daddy Black Shack(might sell snoballs out of it). Also, they are big fans of obscure root beers, which is awesome.
Mike Maddox- This man is engulfed in the word of God. He is a member of Dominic's church and has a testimony that will define the grace of God. He studies the word of God, deeply. He even sends out morning text messages that can be applied to the lives of his friends. It is so wonderful to be awoken every morning with a verse Mike has relayed to all of us. Mike wants to continue pushing himself spiritually and wants to bring everyone he can along with him. He is working becoming a pastor and trust me he would make a great one. I feel the Holy Spirit moving every time I get a chance to talk with Mike.
Paul- This guy also has a strong testimony as God has delivered him through troubled waters. He is originally from the Ukraine. He works downtown at a hot dog stand, serving others and serving God by passing along scriptures at all times. I have never met someone who can quote the bible, quite like Paul can. He spends countless hours cruising up and down the mall sharing the Gospel to anyone and everyone. He frequents the Shack more on the weekends. Paul is a very strong debater when it comes to people of other religions trying to outprove Christian beliefs. It is amazing how God gives us all unique gifts, because I could not intellectually battle people like this man.
You will hear us refer:
Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
He showed me this morning as I got out of the shower, just ask God what we need to ask for. Then He will show you what is next. After this was realized to me so many things that had boggled me over the last few days, became so clear. There was even an advertisement I saw a couple of times at the Rockies game, "if you do not ask, she can't say yes." I asked my mom if she could figure out why this ad was rattling around my
head. This morning God showed me, ask Him what to do and say. There was a John Mayer song at the end of, "The BucketList," which Hunter and I just watched, and he kept signing over and over, "say what you need to say." In my situation I know I need to say how I feel, but I did not know what to say. So, this morning I began to pray, God tell me what to say, instead of me wasting hours trying to figure out what to say, because I had been doing that for the last two weeks. I know He will speak through me with His words.
I know because when I did my devotion this morning after my revelation, the following verse was revealed to me:
"Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction. "Deuteronomy 33:3
It is so awesome when I get stunned by God's works or blessings. I know He is there with me at all times, He just wants me to lean on Him.
I wanted to share the people that Hunter and I have been in fellowship with over the last few months. I will probably mention them throughout my blog and wanted to identify them. We all tend to congregate at the SnoBall Shack on the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. The reason we all meet here is because our good friend Dominic owns the stand. We are either there or at Leela's, 24 hour coffee shop right near where we live.
The crew:
Dominic- I met him last year at the Black Arts Festival at City Park in Denver. I knew there was something neat about this guy when I first met him. I was not saved when I met him last year. Then when I noticed him on the mall a few months ago, I told him I loved his snoballs and reminded him we met last year. We began talking and I quickly realized he was a very Godly man. He shared with me that God had brought him through a lot of hard times and now he was to broadcast God's abundant love through the tasty flavors of New Orlean's (hometown) style SnoBalls. That's another reason we are always kicking it at the shack, because Dominic's summer treats are delicious. This man has a lot of soul and his heart if full of compassion and warmth. He is always bumping great music, but is always doing what He can to help out others. His father and his family are also there to help out. His buddy CJ, from South Caroling, is here helping out for the summer. Dominic is a truly inspired man, who I admire greatly.
Jay aka Big Daddy Black- This man has a singing voice that is unbelievable. Also from the state of Louisiana, this man has a giant heart and cares deeply about the ones around him. Jay plays his guitar on the 16th Street Mall and by mid-afternoon would be parked by the SnoBall Shack, he even wrote a theme song for the Shack. When I first met Jay I could tell he was a bit unsettled about some things in his life. Yet, as we all began to hang out more and more, the Lord really started to work in Jay's life. He was the one teaching us the scriptures and how awesome God's Love is for all. Jay just recently moved to Colorado Springs, but he said the Lord was directing him there. He knew for quite some time God had been calling him there, but he was not listening. I believe over the weeks we spent with Big Daddy, God spoke to him and showed him what was best for him. On Jay's last night in Denver we were all at Leela's for Chris' show and by the end of the night Jay was singing his heart out up on stage. A great site to see and hear. He even brought a friend that has now become part of the crew.
Casey- Jay had just met Casey his last day in Denver and they were playing music together on the mall. Casey had told Jay that he had just moved to Denver from Oklahoma City. Jay
invited him to come to Leela's that evening as we were going to watch Chris perform. He met us all there and by the end of the night Jay and Casey were playing together on stage. It seemed as if Big Daddy had been grooming Casey for years as they played together. Their performance was awesome. Hunter and I invited Casey to go to church with us the next morning and we have built a great friendship since then. We quickly came to find out that Casey was a stud athlete and he now plays on our softball team. He was the runningback for the college he had just left in OK City. A natural athlete, great musician, and an awesome friend. Check him out www.caseyess.blogspot.com yeaaasss!Chris and Ryan Cavanaugh- We met these brothers at Leela's one evening as Chris was performing one evening. We could tell something was wonderfully different about his music. He was singing from his heart about how God had touched his life. The Holy Spirit told me to catch up with him out in the parking lot and find out what his story was. Come to find out he had just been saved like me and it came though a broken relationship and realizing the life he was living was for himself. It was wild how God orchestrated the two of us meeting. Even crazier his family was from Gainesville and had a few cousins visiting and were at the show. Well I got Chris' number that night and we told each other we had to stay in touch. Chris lost his phone over the next month and I never heard from him. Then one day Hunter and I were coming home from church and stopped at the Shack. We were ordering and with our backs turned we hear from behind us, "Yo Elliot and Hunter." Turn around and it's Chris, Ryan, and their cousins. So funny they happen to see us and at the Shack of all places. Since then our friendships have grown. They have been such wonderful friends and brothers in Christ. We are getting a bible study together, taking a trip at the end of the summer, and possibly getting a house together in the fall. They have an amazing family and their Dad is the pastor of their church. Ryan also just bought a 1972 Volkswagen Bus and is restoring it. It was recently just named the Big Daddy Black Shack(might sell snoballs out of it). Also, they are big fans of obscure root beers, which is awesome.
Mike Maddox- This man is engulfed in the word of God. He is a member of Dominic's church and has a testimony that will define the grace of God. He studies the word of God, deeply. He even sends out morning text messages that can be applied to the lives of his friends. It is so wonderful to be awoken every morning with a verse Mike has relayed to all of us. Mike wants to continue pushing himself spiritually and wants to bring everyone he can along with him. He is working becoming a pastor and trust me he would make a great one. I feel the Holy Spirit moving every time I get a chance to talk with Mike.
Paul- This guy also has a strong testimony as God has delivered him through troubled waters. He is originally from the Ukraine. He works downtown at a hot dog stand, serving others and serving God by passing along scriptures at all times. I have never met someone who can quote the bible, quite like Paul can. He spends countless hours cruising up and down the mall sharing the Gospel to anyone and everyone. He frequents the Shack more on the weekends. Paul is a very strong debater when it comes to people of other religions trying to outprove Christian beliefs. It is amazing how God gives us all unique gifts, because I could not intellectually battle people like this man.
You will hear us refer:
Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
be blessed,
your boy elbow
Monday, June 23, 2008
Inagural Blog!
I am now venturing into the blog world. At first I thought this was way too "techy" for me, but then I realized, wow this is a great way to get my thoughts out and share them with the world. I believe the Lord wants me to be more expressive, because I used to have such issues with suppressing my thoughts and then they would spill out when I was either drunk or upset. Not anymore my friends and for anyone in the past who has been a recipient of my "vomit" of emotions, I am so sorry. I believe blogging will help me to express some of the things I might be struggling with. A verse that struck me a few weeks ago relates perfectly with this.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Profound.
My blog will not just be about me sharing my hardtimes, struggles, and sufferings. How depressing would that be? I will share how the Lord is using me, the joys I share with my family and friends, and interesting stories from Colorado. Well, I hope this will be enough for you guys to click on my blog ever so often.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Profound.
My blog will not just be about me sharing my hardtimes, struggles, and sufferings. How depressing would that be? I will share how the Lord is using me, the joys I share with my family and friends, and interesting stories from Colorado. Well, I hope this will be enough for you guys to click on my blog ever so often.
be blessed,
your boy elbow
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