"If self-denial is a condition for salvation, all who desire to be saved must make self- denial a part of everyday life."

-William Law

Law stresses the importance that we are not only men of public prayer and consistent in our attendance, that really none of those things even matter if not pair with action in obedience in EVERY aspect of our lives. Self-denial is crucial in our witness to the world- those who pray one thing, or say one thing and live a worldly life in any way- are not devout men of Christ. A devout man is one who is committed to walking by faith in every aspect of life- not dependent on what is comfortable to ones self, but seeking the kingdom in every breath- even if that means loosing breath. This is something that is pushing my weak spots right now. Are my prayers in line with the works in my life?- for faith without works are dead. There are parts of my life that I display as righteous and holy in-front of large groups of people- I am commonly portrayed as a man who has his things together, "ah Brian, what a great guy." What a lie I say. My heart is full of deceit and my motives are often dark. 

Father may the worlds that come from my lips be reflected by a holistic living sacrifice of all of my life. I am a sinful man- the only thing good in me is Jesus. Oh Father thank you for Grace. 

"To give away money is to win victory over the dark powers that oppress us."

-Elizabeth O'Connor 

This reading selection gave a lot of insight to things that I have been working through for a while now. Money- I spend it like its not even real, and that is the truth. I have worked since I was 12 or 13 years old, and had a steady income all the while. I guess the way that I spent my money hasn't ever had much relevance, but at the same time I have always given my money away- almost like it wasn't real. I have seen the way that my parents have tithed consistently our entire lives, even in the times that we didn't have as much as usual, it had no effect on how much we gave to the church. I have also seen examples of people who just give at any point that they see need- no matter the amount, they fully trust God and live with hands loose. Not one or the other are doing it the wrong way, but that in both areas I have seen  God's people give- therefore, giving makes sense. The prayer that I have been praying for a while now is that God would move me to give ALWAYS- what a beautiful thing to walk by faith and have no money saved up incase of emergency, but rather give and give knowing that God is provider- that he is sovereign and is the ultimate provision in my life and to all of the peoples of the earth. What a powerful testimony to the world in living faithfully on the edge of finances each month- relying on the Lord to provide. 

Oh Father may the enemy have no reign in the light of your provision in my life- teach me, open my eyes to the need that surrounds me, plant in me strength to give when it is uncomfortable and sharpen my faith in trusting that you WILL provide. 

Go.

http://media1.imbresources.org/files/155/15544/15544-85607.mp4


The video posted above is talking about obedience influenced by the great Lottie Moon. It documents the lives of two college students that have given up the american dream to go over seas and serve as missionaries, sharing the message of Jesus Christ that has changed their lives. It is important for Baptist to work together to further the kingdom of God, because collectively our ministry is so much stronger. This video represents the urgency for the gospel in other countries- and pulls together churches all over the united states towards in order to communicated the need to send people away. This video would have received far less views if not placed in the network of the global Baptist Church.

http://www.baptiststandard.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14407&Itemid=53


The article above talks about how advocates in Texas are teaming with organizations other states to fight hunger. It is cool to see that there are so many different organizations and people that spend all of themselves fighting hunger. It was reported that it was approved to provide 15 million more breakfasts'   this year for young children and that 114 new locations were planted to provide family weekly food needs.

It is important for ministries to have access to the Baptist Standard- it helps to provide information about all kinds of justice that are being fought for, and freedoms that are being celebrated locally and globally.

 “The fact that we are brethren only through Jesus Christ is of immeasurable significance… What determines our brotherhood is what that man is by reason of Christ.  Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us.  This is true not merely at the beginning, and though in the course of time something else were to be added to our community; it remains so for all the future and to all eternity.”

 -Deitrich Bonhoeffer 

 It is absolutely necessary for us to live in community. We are called the body of Christ, for to body to function- it needs all parts to be active and working together. For the word of God to be communicated to us, we also need each other to speak it: Deitrich says, " God has put his word into the mouth of others in order that it may be communicated to us. When one person is stuck by the word he speaks it to others.....Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's word to him." Christ has also through himself allowed us to relate to one another- he has enabled us to reason and understand each other. With out Jesus there is a separation between God and man, and even a separation among men. Christ has become mediator in his sacrifice so that there is no distinction. We relate to each other in knowing that it is only by Jesus that we are who we are, that we have done nothing- so there no longer slave or free, jew or gentile, male or female, white or black, but by his grace we are all set free. This is how we are to see each other and understand one another- that we are no longer captives, but live in freedom together. This is community- an ever present reminder of Christ- he is the joy that lives in each of us- so we do not praise on another or convict each other, rather we live knowing that the good in each of us is only Jesus. He is whom we love. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0HXUnaUL3A

Above is a link of a recording by Ravi Zacharias on the life of David Livingstone.  

David Livingstone is no perfect man and his story is not a perfect story. But, his story is worth telling because he FOLLOWED Jesus. On his skin he wore the scars of submission and sacrifice. Found in his eyes were the reflection of broken people and miraculous transformations. Behind him, his feet left footprints down narrow and blazed trails, footprints of faithfulness. On his knees you will find his strength, deep in the scabs of prayer and petition. 

I don't know where my life will lead, or what specific journey the lord has sketched out for my feet. But I do know that it is only joy that will leave me on my knees at the end. David Livingstone is an incredible example of what Jesus means when he tells us to count the cost. His life was centered around sacrifice of self/and worldly things. 

Father humble me, strip me of my self. Forgive me of my selfishness. Take me where you please, and like my good friend Canaan says, "let me pour some chocolate chips in the cookie batter, I wanna help you make cookies." 

Life is too fast.

Today I woke up and had my usual cup of coffee, then soaked it up with a heart melting cinnamon roll.  Then I started to think about all of the things that I needed to get done today in order to stay caught up. I quickly found myself being overwhelmed with not only school work, but there were two big decisions about my future that I really needed to start considering and one particularly that I felt needed a quick answer, I had no answers. I still have none, but i've committed to fast for the entire day.

For the past few days i've been overwhelmed with a recent scenario, that could drastically change the future seasons of my life. I've been praying about it, but still doing life the same way as if I were not considering any big decisions. I guess I just feel like it should be different. The Lord moved me this morning to give up control- he urged me. Washing down the end of my cinnamon roll I was reminded of my immediate desires, and food being something that I rarely think about; in fact, typically overindulge without hesitance. I'm really hungry right now, but have been reminded today more than most days- of my need for God.

Im hungry, and Im thirsty God- fill me with the bread of life, I want to taste living water. Remove my thoughts from my immediate desires so that I might experience a greater depth of your love. 

Richard Rolle

"All love which is not God-directed is bad love, and makes its possessors bad, too."

-Richard Rolle

 Richard Rolle talks about about the real root of sin and compares it to both the seen and unseen. I think the sin that we are most aware of and quick to condemn is of course, the seen. Those who love to better themselves, cover themselves with gifts and are quick to cause arguments in order that they might become better than those around them- an extremely individualistic lifestyle they live; this is the sin that is always so evident. But Rolle makes a point in talking about the root being as much unseen as the seen. Could a vocational minister indulge in the same sin and still lead a congregation or community in the ways of Jesus. The unseen sin is found in the heart of those who have no appeal for self-image, they  have no desire to engage in arguments- longing to be perfect. This unseen sin is as deep as the seen- "they see themselves as saints standing out from the rest." The root of both sins is greed. It is very real possibility that a minster could fall deep into this sin. As a result it has potential to bring down all people that they surround themselves with. Family, community, and friends are all effected by the mass of greed that drives a person to look better than the world. It eventually takes its toll, "love for God and love for the world cannot coexist in the same soul: the stronger drives out the weaker, and it soon appears who loves the world, and who follows Christ. The strength of peoples love is shown in what they do." 

Father remove the greed my heart that leads me away from you, draw me in close- teach me to love as you have loved.