The Race We Call Life...

Well it has been way to long since I last made an entry. Since the last time I wrote an entry my brother got married, I got my own room, started redoing my new room, got a new TV, planned a birthday party for my dad, and much much more.

My brother got married on 10.10.10 to Leigh Ann Summers which is now Durham. I had the privilege of being the best man and I was greatly honored to be my brother's best man. Anyways the wedding was at the Bob Noble Park by the big pavilion towards the front of the park. We had such a good time even though it was hot. But we survived and all was well. My dad conducted the service and it was a beautiful service. After the service we took pictures and had the reception. The reception was also at the park at the big pavilion. There was all kinds of food and yummy food at that. They had a candy bar and two very pretty cakes. Leigh Ann made Shelby's groom cake, and boy did she do a good job. The wedding had Super Mario spread through out and his cake was a Super Mario cake. It was totally legit.

Well after that celebration next came my dad's 50 birthday celebration with our church family. My Mom, JT Crawford, and I conspired a plan to surprise my dad with a celebration the Sunday night following his birthday. Our plan was to get people in our church and outside our church to share how God has used my dad to impact their life. Man was this sweet. God was there. Many tears were shed, quite a few by me, as many told of what God had done in their lives through my father. After the service was over we then had a reception with finger foods and cake. I was so blessed.

Well now that you have an idea of what my life has consisted of over the past couple of weeks I hope to get back in a routine of writing and posting on my blog. I pray that God blesses you all as you continue to read this blog.

Savior or Safety Net?

Your name is Jesus, Your name is Jesus; You're the wonderful Counselor, my friend. You're what I hold on to; I know that You've brought me through. All the days of loss to the cross You knew, that I'd need a Savior. — Among the Thirsty

Savior, an interesting term. When you think of the word savior you may think of a super hero like Superman. It’s amazing how our minds can associate things with words. Superman has never saved you, but your mind could think of him when you hear the word savior. What if some one saved your life here on this earth? I’m sure when you hear the word savior it makes you think of that person. But what about Jesus Christ? When you think of the word savior do you think of Christ?

So often many of us forget who the true Savior is, Jesus. In 1 Timothy 4:10 the Bible says, “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe." If God is your Savior, what has He saved you from? I think we all know the “church” answer of sin, but what has He really saved you from? Christ did not just save you from your sin but from the power of sin. The Bible states that we are slaves to sin. As a whole I don’t know if we really understand what the word slave meant in Jesus’ day. To them slave meant, “Devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests.” Everyone was or is currently a slave to sin. Look at John 8:34-36. Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

As Christians we have been saved from sin, but we still need saving. We still have the tendency to go back and live in the slavery that we have been set free from. Christ died so we can have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). What do you as a Christian need saving from? Are there sins in your life that you are hanging on to that Christ has saved you from? If that is the case, turn to your Savior and repent from these things, and as John 8:36 states, “You shall be free indeed.”

If you are reading this and you have not been set free the answer is the same. Turn to Christ. He is the only one who can save you from your slavery to sin. Sin rules you. It eats and you and rules over you. Christ died for you so that you don’t have to live in sin any longer. Turn to God with a broken and a contrite heart and ask Him to save you. He says to you, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)"

What do you need saving from?

Seek Ye First...

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Have you ever just thrown your hands up and said, “UGH, I can’t do this anymore. My life is just a mess!” I think at one time or another we have all been there. Maybe things in your life aren’t going according to plan, maybe one of your best friends just betrayed you, or maybe you are just having a bad day. Whatever the case may be it is important for us to remember that our lives are not our own.1 Corinthians 6:20 says, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Remember friends you are not your own. Whether you are saved, lost, or don’t have any clue your, life is not your own. That being said, when you get in times where you are just frustrated, angry, or whatever emotion you feel remember Matthew 6:33, Seek ye first the kingdom of God. You may think well, what is the kingdom of God, or maybe you are saying well, why do I need to seek after heaven? The kingdom of God is heaven, but I want to point you to the great prize of heaven and that is Jesus Christ. You might think why is Jesus the greatest prize of heaven when you think heaven is just a place of escape from hell. If you view heaven as just an escape from hell you will find yourself burning in hell. Heaven should not be the main prize or goal but Christ should be our goal. Heaven would not be such a grand and glorious place if our Savior isn’t there.

So my challenge to you today is this: seek God over all the circumstances in your life. Don’t seek a boyfriend/girlfriend, money, job, car, friends, or any other thing that you think you will find happiness, joy, and peace. Only Christ can bring you true happiness, joy, and peace. Look to Christ the Lamb that was slain for you and for me.