We all know them. The ones who in 2007 were nowhere to be found, but in 2008 couldn’t stock up on enough Rays gear. I’ve been a Rays fan since 1998. 6 years old. Through the Devil Rays and the “New Era” Rays, I’ve seen it all. I may not recall it all, but I’ve seen it all. And theres nothing I despise more than to see someone wearing a Rays jersy one day, then a Rex Sox jersey the next. Theres a word for that - fake. Even worse someone who will profess they LOVE THE RAYS, OMG! but then they’re outer apperance after a loss isn’t just one of dissapointment; it’s one of disownment. They were let down. The perfect season was ruined. And because they never really had a true sense of loyalty the were fairweather fans, they convinced those around them they were legit, but in their hearts they were being fake. God isn’t looking for fairweather fans. he’s not looking for people who juist want to partake of the blessing, who want that winning feeling then as soon as ONE THING doens’t go EXACTLY like they wanted it to, its automatically God’s fault and they ditch Him and got ot the Sox…um, i mean the devil (same thing, really). You cant be clothed in Righteousness one day, then sin the next. no, no, no - faith is loyalty. faith is trusting your Guy, your God to come through in the clutch, EVEN if it seems like all is lost. Maybe this is a season of preperation for you - you might not get everything, everything might not FIT into your grand scheme of things, your “World Series” MIGHT be lost. is that a reason to quit? I have a friend, Javy< whose a Braves fan. they havent won the World series since 95, BUT i don’t see him wearing a sox jersey everytime they roll through. why? HE IS LOYAL, he has FAITH in his team. Some people in the world are more passionate about their sports idols than a majority of Christians are passionate about God! They’re more loyal! WHAT?!?! Their sports team doesn’t know anything about them, nor do they care for them, but through thick and thin, good season and bad season, they stay true. God has LOVED you since the beginning of the earth! He has had a plan for you since day one, and had the hairs on your head counted and memorized, he pays THAT much attention to YOU, but if you have a rough season, your hoppin’ the fence looking to the sox (crap,l i mean the devil - so synonomous) for a good season! theres no loyalty. loyalty in your faith is characterized by TRUST and PERSERVERANCE. if you can trust that God has made a way for you, even through this rough season and PERSERVERE through it, THATS loyalty! THATS faith! faith isnt built in the times of ease - its built in the dark times, the hard trimes, the “rough” seasons. i went through 10 years of rough seasons with the Rays before 2008, and I’ve had some rough patches with God before, in fact im kinda on the tail end of one right now, BUT after TEN YEARS, that 2008 season, being able to go to a World Series game with my dad and grandpa?? so worth the rough seasons. And in this life, this life thats sure to be filled with rough patches, ive learned to savor and be educated by the rough patches because the blessing on the other side makes the ENTIURE debocale worth it! see, i could have been like OH im cheering for the devil (sorry, sox) and had those seasons, but that would have broken my loyalty with the Rays, and that easiness of getting that winning feeling wouldnt have been the same. i could go to the club, go grab a drink, go have a smoke, but I DONT WNAT TO, because i know my faith and loyalty to this pursuit of holiness and purity are SO WORTH IT, and that God would never switch teams on me. wow, this was so not where i was planning on going with this. but yeah. keep your shirt on. be hot or cold, be a Ray or a Sox, follow God or follow the devil, you will choose who you will serve and its gonna be one, or the other. theres no fairweather excuse at the judgment throne. your life will be put on the alter, and burnt in a refining fire - will the precious jewles of faith and loyalty remain, or will there just be chaff of flipfloppage, and lukewarmness thats gonna blow away? your call.
The good, and the bad.
Lemme begin.
I HATE THE GARBAGE THAT MAKES PEOPLE BACKSLIDE. I’ve seen too many people fall, and too many people fool themselves into thinking they weren’t backsliding. Guys this is the point of a…wait for it…accountability partner. Yeah I whipped it out, because I can. I have at least three people outside of my youth group who I consistently run stuff by going on in my life to keep ke accountable JUST so I don’t even RISK doing something that could lead to the IMPRESSION thereof.
It makes me sad to the point of emotional distraught. Seriously. Gods love is so precious, so amazing and so abundant…yet it’s lost to some.
Gaaahhhhhh, it’s SO FREEING but…ah. Idk. Not thrilled, but ive got hope in that my friends will be led back, even if they won’t listen to me but that…someone..anyone…anything will be the turning back point. this is the point where I HAVE TO surrender to all to the Holy Spirit. Ugh I’d go nuts without it.
Thank ya Jesus, thank you God, thank you Comforter.
Gnight
annabeestings-deactivated201111 asked: Hahaha, I would totally get a real one if I actually knew how to use the thing.
WHATTTTTTTT!?!?? you live in Florida….THIS MUST CHANGE lol. and i gotta admit, i drove my friends chevy…it wasnt half bad :P
it occurred to me today tumblr is a church. the Christians on tumblr post about their struggles and reblog to encourage each other. we reblog scripture and forms of art and music worship that praises God. we follow each other to learn new opinions and we fill our dashboard with fellowship.
a church is a gathering of people and that is what the christian community on tumblr has become. i’d REALLY like to get to know my followers better (even if you aren’t christian), being as i have over 100. if i had 100 people to keep me accountable that i could have a place to find fellowship at any time, that’d be insane.
please reblog this is you post about God or you post Scripture or anything so that I can find you and get to know you. God’s church is so diverse and if i only surround myself with my peers at this university, i might miss out on a lot of things God wants to say to me! my ask box is open to anything and we can talk back and forth. and i mean it. i’m not just saying this. i want to get to know more people.
i’m working on it in my daily life too. it’s harder, of course. but just because using screens is easier doesn’t mean i shouldn’t do it.
yup, we’re supposed to sharpen each other :)
To our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wrote that. If so, I’m the happiest, most joyful, thankful, FREEST slave you’ll ever have theta. pleasure of meeting :) You gotta serve someone, no matter how much you think your above doing so. In fact chances are if you’re to the point where you don’t wanna serve anyone ore reading this and saying you don’t serve anyone, chances are you’re not serving God… because everyone who is KNOWS IT. So is today your day? Were not promised tomorrow, so will you step up to the plate? To the high-call of Christ? Or continue to make your problem bigger than the One who created you, and look for an answer in the world? And if that’s the case, it just means your serving the world. And das a no gudda cheese brah, in fact such actions put you in direct enimity and conflict against God (James 4). Maaaayyynnnnneeeee you’re probably reading this like “whoooo is this joker? I don’t believe in that stuff.” I’ve got one thing to say: Eternity is too long to be wrong. I’ve almost lost two friends in a matter of 6 months. It’s some scary stuff. I compell you, just like ask questions or somethinh Idc just try it. And I’m gonna leave it at this: if you do decide just ask questions, or get real with God, go to someone who you KNOW isn’t a hypocrite, because when the blind teach the blind..everyone ends up in a stinkin ditch. Chances are I or someone you know can answer a question or two. Actually as an Intern its kinda what I do now lol. But yeah, much loveeeeee just pouring out de abundanchhee of my heart, peaceee.
So I was thinking about my internal tape recorder, you know, the one everyone hass, and what I really want it to say. And then i just started typing. And this is what I came up with. Honestly, I’m not even going to rhyme it. I’m just going to speak it out over a beat, just so I have it recorded.
I am a child of God
I can step boldly into his presence and fear Him with a holy fear, not a natural worldly one
Because he loves me
Because he is love
And love is patient
Kind, because it is of the father who is gentle
With out envy, because it needs not covet, as it has and provides all we need
Is not prideful, for with pride comes the fall, and God will never fall
Not rude
Does not seek it’s own
Unprovoked
Thinks NO evil
It does nit rejoice in inequity by rejoices in the TRUTH
bears, hopes, believes and endures ALL things
The spirit that lifted Christ from the dead lives within me
I am to be perfect as my father is perfect, a living sacrifice that is washed clean by the blood of the perfect lamb and is made spotless by the work of the cross
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, all things promised to me by the word, which was made flesh and lives in my heart
I am a good solider of Christ who follows his word and therefor knows the truth, and I must endure hardship for the grace given by the greatest sacrifice, but though my trials and tribulations are many, the Lord shall deliver me from them ALL.
I am baptized not only in water, but by the Holy Ghost and Fire, for The Spirit within me grants me the power to be a witness, and the fire refines me.
The seven horns of the all powerful lamb protect me
The seven eyes of the omniscient lamb watch over me
The holy ghost is my spiritual GPS and I will submit to and follow it where it leads me, for it shall lead me to things not of hay that shall be burnt up, but gold and jewels, treasure I may store where neither moth nor rust can corrode it or stain it.
My repentance is not that of Judas, my tears do not go in vain and my Joy is of the Lord. I have a hatred for evil, and a hatred for sin, and even the clothing that touches the rotting corrupted flesh, but I have the agape love of my Abba when I deserve it not, so no matter what I will share that love with even the most corrupt flesh
I have a heart that is humble, and my pride is dead along with the rest of the old me, for I am a new creation in Christ Jesus
I do not have a spirit of fear and lack, but of prosperity and boldness.
I change according to the Spirit and the word, and I mature thusly for maturation brings change and such change brings growth, and the manner in which I grow, be it in my love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, long-suffering, or self control, will bear fruit that will NOT be stolen by thief in the night but go to bring me the promise of life and life or abundantly.
With each breath, I receive a gift from God, and with each second a blessing, so i will thank Him continually for no matter what he makes all things work out for the good of those who believe in him.
I am committed to he who guides my steps, so my path is affirmed and I need not worry, for wherever I step, I am promised victory
So I will step out this day and every other day and live for Him. This day I renew my mind, press foreward in my commitment and I crucify my flesh. I bear my cross, but the yoke I have placed upon myself is light, and the burden I have been given is easy, thanks to Christ who took my old yoke and burden from me. Today I praise Him and worship Him for without Him I am nothing. Today i go from glory to glory, with no limits and no boundaries to what God can do for me, and what I can step out and be used by God to do. I place my spirit in an upward momentum to fulfill the High all upon my life by Christ and today I will have break through. Today…and always Lord. Forevermore. In Jesus Name.
People fast the wrong things. They fast them self of the word of God. They fast them selfs of church, they fast themselfs of the spirit, they fast them themselfs of prayer.
Then they ask why they don’t feel the presence. They ask why they feel empty. They ask why they’re nip getting blessed, they ask why life seems so easy for some people.
Life isn’t easy. Were just not fasting the wrong things. I fast myselfs of distractions, or fast to bear patience (long-suffering) and other reasons while I PIG OUT IN THE WORD, I PIG OUT IN CHURCH, I PIG OUT IN THE SPIRIT, I PIG OUT IN PRAYER. I pig put on God, I can’t get enough, I hunger and thirst after righteousness, and the word says for that I will be filled (matty 5:6).
So…Are you fasting the wrong things?
Just something that hit me in the shower, so I pounded it out in my iPad (PTL :D) this is more of an outline, but I think I make the point decently.
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Okay how many people here have a facebook (tumblr, whateverrr lol)?
How many people here watch sportscenter?
How many people have checked their facebook today, or watched sportcented today.
How many people do either daily?
How many have checked facebook or scores, and be honest, within the last hours, or even while you’ve been in here?
Okay..now..
How many people prayed within the last hour, or throughout the day?
How mant people read the word at lead once a day, everyday? How about more than once a day?
isn’t it odd how so many more people said yes for the first couple questions?
Who here has been in a relationship, ever? If you have been then you know that the base, the very beginning foundation of most every relationship is simply interaction.
Some people are in serious relationships with Facebook and with Sportcenter, or the mall, or dancing with the stars or whatever, but their interaction with God is hardly up to par with these other relationships
Why should we be in a relationship with God?
I heard the beginning of a verse, and just the beginning of it is quoted so very often, “seek ye first the kingdom of God.”
Dude, I read that and I was like ahhhhhhh that’s so cool, I totally wanna do that.
Then I asked myself…wait why? My initial thought was to be saved and get to heaven, but I know now that I can’t do anything to earn that because it’s already been given, the sacrifice made, and whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved.
So why should I seek first the kingdom?? heaven’s already happening, so what else is there. And dude it seems like ALOT of work for something I already have.
Then I actually read the verse
Matthew 6:33 ”But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness…and all these things shall be added unto you”
All what things?
See, here’s why the word of God is so important. So flipping many people will read one verse and not understand it because they don’t know the context it’s in and just give up. Or worse, they’ll read a verse that like straight up rebukes their lifestyle, or something they’re doing and be like “it’s just a book telling me what I can’t do, I don’t need that, blehblehblehhh.”
But if you actually read it, if you take the time to get the context, if you hunger for the word, the word will fill you. You will understand it, the Holy Spirit will grant understanding. It’s NOT a book of restrictions, but a book of PROMISE. this is Gods very WILL written out for us. So many people are like”what’s Gods will?” read the bible, it’s all right there.
Back to seeking first the kingdom, what things will be added unto me?
Matthew 6:25-32
25 Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? 26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? 28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to- day is, and to- morrow is cast into the oven,[ shall he] not much more[ clothe] you, O ye of little faith? 31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED. He grants us what he wants. He is a God of love and of provision and of comfort.
Now, let me be clear tho…that doesn’t mean lifes just going to be easy. The promises are awesome, but they’re not just given out. In fact there’s another verse that’s quoted a lot that goes “the trials and tribulations of the faithful are many.” provision requires faith, and most of the time it doesn’t come without cost. It’s like your parents aren’t just going to let you take the car out, you have to do some dishes, or mow the yard before your provided the keys to the car.
Now if you actually read the verse it FINISHES that saying with BUT THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL DELIVER YOU FROM THEM ALL. The faith you have in knowing thatGod will get you through any and all tests is like how your parents determine how badly you want to use the car by your effort, just as our provision will be determined by how much and how offer we seek first the kingdom.
So going back to one of the first questions asked, why should we be in a relationship with God? I don’t see it say anywhere that if you seek first facebook, you’ll be provided for. I don’t see anywhere that if you seek first sports center, you’ll be wrapped in love, I don’t see anywhere where it says if you seek first your girlfriend all these things will be added unto you.
It says seek ye first the kingdom of God, and ALL YOU NEED Will be provided. So what’s that mean to me? Seek ye first the kingdom and expect to get blessed out of your skullbone.
Now, Don’t only do it for the blessing, do it for the sake of seeking the kingdom and building your relationship with God, keep your heart right Have faith and be wise, but NEVER STOP seeking the kingdom, because the word PROMISES provision for it.
How can you do that, how can you seek the kingdom? Pray, get in the word, go out and talk about God, wittness to someone. In seeking out the kingdom, you will expand the kingdom, and you will bring this promise upon your life.
So are you seeking the kingdom? Are you even aware of the power of the kingdom? Do you know if you have a place in that kingdom? Do you want that provision the Lord promises? You can have it all, Romans 11:29 says that the gifts of God will not be revoked, and this provision is a gift that can be attained by seeking the kingdom.
Now to truly seek that kingdom, you have to have your mind and heart set on that kingdom, and to do that, you’ve gotta have Jesus in your heart. It’s so important, because without knowing He loves you, and knowing He is in your heart, it’s borderline impossible to believe He will provide for you. The beginning for seeking the kingdom of God is realizing the sacrifice that God gave for us, His only son, and never taking that for granted. invite Him into your life tonight, take that first step in seeking the kingdom and HE WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU.
