Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ok, so I heard this song on the way yo work and man was it just the right song to hear in the middle of traffic, while I a was in the process of leaving the familiy, again, for work...Just all the storms that happen every day...
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. Chorus: And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to Youand raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away Chorus I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth Chorus
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Foundations 1 Co 3:10-15
The Apostle Paul writes regarding the foundations are truths are based upon:
He contends that it is, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire"
Often times we build such ornate and grandiose "things." We build our houses, our lives, our jobs even our friendships with the intention to impress others. We try to decorate this "things" to appear as though they are the grandest and most significant "things" in the world. In fact, we place value on the humanly constructed "things" based solely on how they compare to other "things" created by others.
We believe that hard work and dedication alone will lead to the best "things." How many of us have worked too many hours in a day or too days in a week. Neglecting our families and depriving the Lord of His much deserved time? For us we often glean our satisfaction and encouragement from the many accomplishments and beautiful things "we" have created and the compliments the render.
However, if our foundation does not rest squarely on the good news of Jesus Christ, then all those "things" are destined to collapse or be consumed by His fire. As Christians we must recognize that everything rest solely in the truth of Jesus. He alone has the strength.
If we are concerned solely with how our creations appears or how impressed our friends our with the numerous and expensive things we have, we are going to find ourselves in a heap of trouble. The JOB of a Christian is not to collect objects or build structures for their own edification. NO, I do not care how often you believe that, or how often you ignore that fact. WE ARE NOT HERE FOR OUR OWN EDIFICATION.
Each and everyone one of us will inevitably be held accountable for what we did with this great foundation laid by Jesus Christ. Did we use this foundation to build up Jesus or us? Did we sit back and compliment ourselves affirming just how great we are and how great our structures are? Or did we sit back, meditate and pray on how Jesus would have us build a ministry for Him?
The fire will reveal all. Either we will be put through the fire and affirmed in our actions or we will be consumed by the fire and revealed to be the fakes we truly are. No matter how well we "think" we put on a facade, a fake is a fake and eventually false worship and discipleship will be revealed.
He contends that it is, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire"
Often times we build such ornate and grandiose "things." We build our houses, our lives, our jobs even our friendships with the intention to impress others. We try to decorate this "things" to appear as though they are the grandest and most significant "things" in the world. In fact, we place value on the humanly constructed "things" based solely on how they compare to other "things" created by others.
We believe that hard work and dedication alone will lead to the best "things." How many of us have worked too many hours in a day or too days in a week. Neglecting our families and depriving the Lord of His much deserved time? For us we often glean our satisfaction and encouragement from the many accomplishments and beautiful things "we" have created and the compliments the render.
However, if our foundation does not rest squarely on the good news of Jesus Christ, then all those "things" are destined to collapse or be consumed by His fire. As Christians we must recognize that everything rest solely in the truth of Jesus. He alone has the strength.
If we are concerned solely with how our creations appears or how impressed our friends our with the numerous and expensive things we have, we are going to find ourselves in a heap of trouble. The JOB of a Christian is not to collect objects or build structures for their own edification. NO, I do not care how often you believe that, or how often you ignore that fact. WE ARE NOT HERE FOR OUR OWN EDIFICATION.
Each and everyone one of us will inevitably be held accountable for what we did with this great foundation laid by Jesus Christ. Did we use this foundation to build up Jesus or us? Did we sit back and compliment ourselves affirming just how great we are and how great our structures are? Or did we sit back, meditate and pray on how Jesus would have us build a ministry for Him?
The fire will reveal all. Either we will be put through the fire and affirmed in our actions or we will be consumed by the fire and revealed to be the fakes we truly are. No matter how well we "think" we put on a facade, a fake is a fake and eventually false worship and discipleship will be revealed.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Oswald Chamber's Devotional
I was reading this and it was as awesome reminder of how magnificent and gracious Jesus is to us. I don't know that we deserve it but His mercy and desire to be close to us is truly a wonderful gift from God
July 23rd.
SANCTIFICATION
"Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us . . . sanctification." 1 Corinthians 1:30
The Life Side. The mystery of sanctification is that the perfections of Jesus Christ are imparted to me, not gradually, but instantly when by faith I enter into the realization that Jesus Christ is made unto me sanctification. Sanctification does not mean anything less than the holiness of Jesus being made mine manifestly.
The one marvellous secret of a holy life lies not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh. Sanctification is "Christ in you." It is His wonderful life that is imparted to me in sanctification, and imparted by faith as a sovereign gift of God's grace. Am I willing for God to make sanctification as real in me as it is in His word?
Sanctification means the impartation of the Holy qualities of Jesus Christ. It is His patience, His love, His holiness, His faith, His purity, His godliness, that is manifested in and through every sanctified soul. Sanctification is not drawing from Jesus the power to be holy; it is drawing from Jesus the holiness that was manifested in Him, and He manifests it in me. Sanctification is an impartation, not an imitation. Imitation is on a different line. In Jesus Christ is the perfection of everything, and the mystery of sanctification is that all the perfections of Jesus are at my disposal, and slowly and surely I begin to live a life of ineffable order and sanity and holiness: "Kept by the power of God."
Shalom
-Erik-
July 23rd.
SANCTIFICATION
"Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us . . . sanctification." 1 Corinthians 1:30
The Life Side. The mystery of sanctification is that the perfections of Jesus Christ are imparted to me, not gradually, but instantly when by faith I enter into the realization that Jesus Christ is made unto me sanctification. Sanctification does not mean anything less than the holiness of Jesus being made mine manifestly.
The one marvellous secret of a holy life lies not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh. Sanctification is "Christ in you." It is His wonderful life that is imparted to me in sanctification, and imparted by faith as a sovereign gift of God's grace. Am I willing for God to make sanctification as real in me as it is in His word?
Sanctification means the impartation of the Holy qualities of Jesus Christ. It is His patience, His love, His holiness, His faith, His purity, His godliness, that is manifested in and through every sanctified soul. Sanctification is not drawing from Jesus the power to be holy; it is drawing from Jesus the holiness that was manifested in Him, and He manifests it in me. Sanctification is an impartation, not an imitation. Imitation is on a different line. In Jesus Christ is the perfection of everything, and the mystery of sanctification is that all the perfections of Jesus are at my disposal, and slowly and surely I begin to live a life of ineffable order and sanity and holiness: "Kept by the power of God."
Shalom
-Erik-
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Encouragement
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT: Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that nothing can ever seperate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.
We can't be seperated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything int he present or anything in the future, by forces in the world above or in the world below or by anything else in creation.
The love God has for each of us is so intense that there is not a single source of division grand enough which even attempts to approach it. God is our source of hope, life and love and as Isaiah states: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown and yet even when you pass thought fire, the flames will not harm you, BECAUSE I AM, THE HOLY ONE, YOUR GOD.
How wonderful to know this. Thanks and praise be to God.
Shalom
E
I am convinced that nothing can ever seperate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.
We can't be seperated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything int he present or anything in the future, by forces in the world above or in the world below or by anything else in creation.
The love God has for each of us is so intense that there is not a single source of division grand enough which even attempts to approach it. God is our source of hope, life and love and as Isaiah states: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown and yet even when you pass thought fire, the flames will not harm you, BECAUSE I AM, THE HOLY ONE, YOUR GOD.
How wonderful to know this. Thanks and praise be to God.
Shalom
E
Friday, June 5, 2009
Week 1 done
Well, I made it. The first week of CHBOLC is done and in the books and I am still up and mobile. I made the height/weight requirements, that's always good.
It is safe to say that SC is trying to kill me. It does not matter where you go or what you are doing, chances are if you are doing it in SC you are sweating your rear off. I have never spent this much sweat in my life. Now, don't get me wrong, I have sweated in AZ plenty, but out here you stick you head out the window and you are drippin'. But, in comparison this heat is nothing like that of the Valley. Out in AZ your sweat evaporates so you really don't know you are sweating.
We have not really done to much "Army" stuff yet, as many of the candidates are non-prior service. So we have been doing standard, "catch-up" stuff. Things such as, basic marching, basic orders things such as that. However, next week our Cadre leaders will step back and turn our class over to actual DI "drill instructors". We are in a world of hurt. There are still some cadets who are having trouble getting into ranks on time and that = a lot of push-ups for everyone else. Buhhh!!!!
I really missed the family. It is so hard to be here mentally and physically when everything I love and hold dear is back home. I get to see the kids on the internet and talk to Andrea like 10 minutes a day. That is just not good. I miss them all soooo much. You know God called me to come here and I see the need for me here. I am just trying to reach some sort of balance between being here and being there. I am struggling right now just trying to concentrate at the task at hand. Everything seems to remind me that I am not whole here. But that is when I will need God the most. He called me here so, I am turning it over to Him to get me thru.
In Christ
ChapErik.
Just on a side, when they say SC averages 15 inches of rain a months between Jun and Jul, they are not lying. I have been here 6 days and it has rained 5 of those days.
It is safe to say that SC is trying to kill me. It does not matter where you go or what you are doing, chances are if you are doing it in SC you are sweating your rear off. I have never spent this much sweat in my life. Now, don't get me wrong, I have sweated in AZ plenty, but out here you stick you head out the window and you are drippin'. But, in comparison this heat is nothing like that of the Valley. Out in AZ your sweat evaporates so you really don't know you are sweating.
We have not really done to much "Army" stuff yet, as many of the candidates are non-prior service. So we have been doing standard, "catch-up" stuff. Things such as, basic marching, basic orders things such as that. However, next week our Cadre leaders will step back and turn our class over to actual DI "drill instructors". We are in a world of hurt. There are still some cadets who are having trouble getting into ranks on time and that = a lot of push-ups for everyone else. Buhhh!!!!
I really missed the family. It is so hard to be here mentally and physically when everything I love and hold dear is back home. I get to see the kids on the internet and talk to Andrea like 10 minutes a day. That is just not good. I miss them all soooo much. You know God called me to come here and I see the need for me here. I am just trying to reach some sort of balance between being here and being there. I am struggling right now just trying to concentrate at the task at hand. Everything seems to remind me that I am not whole here. But that is when I will need God the most. He called me here so, I am turning it over to Him to get me thru.
In Christ
ChapErik.
Just on a side, when they say SC averages 15 inches of rain a months between Jun and Jul, they are not lying. I have been here 6 days and it has rained 5 of those days.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
just in case anyone wants to visit me in SC
1: Start out going WEST on E WASHINGTON ST toward N CENTRAL AVE.
2: Turn LEFT onto S 1ST AVE.
3: Turn LEFT onto W LINCOLN ST.
4: Turn RIGHT onto S 7TH ST.
5: Turn LEFT onto E MARICOPA FWY.
6: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto ramp.
7: Merge onto I-17 S/US-60 E.
8: Merge onto I-10 E via the exit on the LEFT toward GLOBE/TUCSON (Passing through NEW MEXICO, then crossing into TEXAS).
9: Merge onto I-20 E via the exit on the LEFT toward FT WORTH/DALLAS.
10: Keep RIGHT to take I-20 E via EXIT 421 toward DALLAS/SHREVEPORT.
11: Keep RIGHT to take I-20 E via EXIT 444 toward DALLAS (Passing through LOUISIANA and MISSISSIPPI, then crossing into ALABAMA).
12: Merge onto I-459 N via EXIT 106 toward GADSDEN/ATLANTA.
13: Merge onto I-20 E via EXIT 29 toward ATLANTA (Passing through GEORGIA, then crossing into SOUTH CAROLINA).
14: Take the ALPINE RD exit, EXIT 76, toward FORT JACKSON.
15: Merge onto I-77 S toward CHARLESTON.
16: Take the FOREST DRIVE exit, EXIT 12, toward STROM THURMOND BLVD/FORT JACKSON.
17: Turn RIGHT onto FOREST DR.
18: Turn LEFT.
19: Turn LEFT.
2: Turn LEFT onto S 1ST AVE.
3: Turn LEFT onto W LINCOLN ST.
4: Turn RIGHT onto S 7TH ST.
5: Turn LEFT onto E MARICOPA FWY.
6: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto ramp.
7: Merge onto I-17 S/US-60 E.
8: Merge onto I-10 E via the exit on the LEFT toward GLOBE/TUCSON (Passing through NEW MEXICO, then crossing into TEXAS).
9: Merge onto I-20 E via the exit on the LEFT toward FT WORTH/DALLAS.
10: Keep RIGHT to take I-20 E via EXIT 421 toward DALLAS/SHREVEPORT.
11: Keep RIGHT to take I-20 E via EXIT 444 toward DALLAS (Passing through LOUISIANA and MISSISSIPPI, then crossing into ALABAMA).
12: Merge onto I-459 N via EXIT 106 toward GADSDEN/ATLANTA.
13: Merge onto I-20 E via EXIT 29 toward ATLANTA (Passing through GEORGIA, then crossing into SOUTH CAROLINA).
14: Take the ALPINE RD exit, EXIT 76, toward FORT JACKSON.
15: Merge onto I-77 S toward CHARLESTON.
16: Take the FOREST DRIVE exit, EXIT 12, toward STROM THURMOND BLVD/FORT JACKSON.
17: Turn RIGHT onto FOREST DR.
18: Turn LEFT.
19: Turn LEFT.
It is finally starting to feel a little bit more real for me. I have received my orders, booked my travel and stopped eating anything that tastes good. I will be heading out to Fort Jackson soon for training in what is called CHBOLC, which is military for Chaplain Basic Officers Leadership Course.
It is really bittersweet for me. On the one hand I am content with knowing that I will finally begin on my journey to becoming an actual Military Chaplain. I will be learning the basic foundation needed for me to lend worship and counsel to soldiers and their families who are thirsting to hear the wonderful of our Savior. This is what God called me to do, this is why I sit through 8 hour classes every other Saturday. This is why I stay awake until 2 a.m. every morning doing homework and studying. This is why my wife and I have to schedule the nights of the week that I might be able to go to bed with her. This is the calling that God has stamped in emblazoned letters on my mind and heart.
Yet, on the other hand, I will be leaving my family for a period of time. I will be leaving a wonderful wife to take care of three small children all alone. She will have to deal with renters and upkeep of two houses. I will have to sing my girls to sleep over a laptop web cam. I hate the idea that I will not be able to go into the next room and give my little ones a hug. I won't wake up with arms asleep from Faiths little head cutting off circulation during the night. Landon's constant DAAAD, and HIII's are so awesome and lift me up when I think everything is too much to bear. I will not be able to feel my sweet wife lying next to me at night. I will be 2000 plus miles away from any sense of normalcy.
How is it that I should feel both excitement and depression at the same time? These two forces each requiring my full attention and each requiring my complete and undivided attention. I know that my family will make it through this period and that the reunion will be awesome. I just hope that this will somehow only grow my family and faith stronger and more focused then ever.
I am reminded that the scripture never claims our discipleship to be easy. I only ask that the Lord is constantly in front of me and my family as to reassure us everyday that we are part of a much larger and superior plan.
Shalom
Erik
It is really bittersweet for me. On the one hand I am content with knowing that I will finally begin on my journey to becoming an actual Military Chaplain. I will be learning the basic foundation needed for me to lend worship and counsel to soldiers and their families who are thirsting to hear the wonderful of our Savior. This is what God called me to do, this is why I sit through 8 hour classes every other Saturday. This is why I stay awake until 2 a.m. every morning doing homework and studying. This is why my wife and I have to schedule the nights of the week that I might be able to go to bed with her. This is the calling that God has stamped in emblazoned letters on my mind and heart.
Yet, on the other hand, I will be leaving my family for a period of time. I will be leaving a wonderful wife to take care of three small children all alone. She will have to deal with renters and upkeep of two houses. I will have to sing my girls to sleep over a laptop web cam. I hate the idea that I will not be able to go into the next room and give my little ones a hug. I won't wake up with arms asleep from Faiths little head cutting off circulation during the night. Landon's constant DAAAD, and HIII's are so awesome and lift me up when I think everything is too much to bear. I will not be able to feel my sweet wife lying next to me at night. I will be 2000 plus miles away from any sense of normalcy.
How is it that I should feel both excitement and depression at the same time? These two forces each requiring my full attention and each requiring my complete and undivided attention. I know that my family will make it through this period and that the reunion will be awesome. I just hope that this will somehow only grow my family and faith stronger and more focused then ever.
I am reminded that the scripture never claims our discipleship to be easy. I only ask that the Lord is constantly in front of me and my family as to reassure us everyday that we are part of a much larger and superior plan.
Shalom
Erik
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Military Update
I am finding it harder and harder to convince myself the God is OK with me being a part time Chaplain. I feel like He is telling me not to make this convenient for me. Does that even make sense?
I know that God wants me to be involved with the troops during their time of need. I will be providing them with the spiritual guidance they are longing for. Yet, I am wondering how I can do that one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Granted there is an almost 100% chance that once I graduate I will be activated and shipped off to some sandbox a million miles away from home. But still am I worried that I am doing what is the best for me not Him! I hope that I please Him and honor His calling in my life
Do you know that this year the Army is preparing to report the highest number of suicides since they began tracking the number. Tell me God is not right there using that as more evidence to compel us to act. We need to pray long and hard for these soldiers.
Any who, on a lighter note. I was informed that the Reserve is placing me in a group that will begin drilling while I am in school. That is somewhat cool. I will get to interact with those I am going serve. Right now I am in a job that is way less than fulfilling. I can literally feel it drawing the life right out of my soul. However, God is using that position to train me, I know He uses all things to glorify Him. So, I guess I'm OK with it. While drilling will require me to be away from my family even more, if that is even humanly possible, it will open up other doors that will help. In addition to the hands on benefit I will get tricare and drill pay. That is pretty darn good thank you very much.
Oh, well even with all this going one internally I know that God is good and I still love Jesus. Can't ask for anything more.
-Shalom-
Erik
I know that God wants me to be involved with the troops during their time of need. I will be providing them with the spiritual guidance they are longing for. Yet, I am wondering how I can do that one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Granted there is an almost 100% chance that once I graduate I will be activated and shipped off to some sandbox a million miles away from home. But still am I worried that I am doing what is the best for me not Him! I hope that I please Him and honor His calling in my life
Do you know that this year the Army is preparing to report the highest number of suicides since they began tracking the number. Tell me God is not right there using that as more evidence to compel us to act. We need to pray long and hard for these soldiers.
Any who, on a lighter note. I was informed that the Reserve is placing me in a group that will begin drilling while I am in school. That is somewhat cool. I will get to interact with those I am going serve. Right now I am in a job that is way less than fulfilling. I can literally feel it drawing the life right out of my soul. However, God is using that position to train me, I know He uses all things to glorify Him. So, I guess I'm OK with it. While drilling will require me to be away from my family even more, if that is even humanly possible, it will open up other doors that will help. In addition to the hands on benefit I will get tricare and drill pay. That is pretty darn good thank you very much.
Oh, well even with all this going one internally I know that God is good and I still love Jesus. Can't ask for anything more.
-Shalom-
Erik
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Somewhat Official
OK, so it is now somewhat official. I have had my first set of orders cut from the Reserves. Granted I am not being deployed or anything but still, it's finally sinking in just how real God's calling is. I am grateful that God spoke so clearly to me and gave me the much needed swift kick. I just wonder how my family will handle this. Anj (my wife) told me that when my oldest daughter heard I would be leaving for six weeks she kinda freaked. That is gonna be hard to leave them. They bring soooo much joy to my life it is no even measurable.
Anj is my lobster(story behind that for another time) and I really can't function without her. My life gets miserable when I am away from her.
Every night before they pretend to fall asleep we pray together and then I sing to the, Faith (youngest daughter) wants I Can't Take My Eye's off You and In DA Morning (Give Me Jesus) and Elly (oldest daughter) wants a new song every night. You know every night I get the chance to cuddle them and then sing to them I am really gonna miss that.
God put my in this place for a reason, and I will not let Him down. I just hope that the time away from my family will pass quickly. Geez, here I am thinking about this and is still 5 months away. Oh well, what else should I be doing at 2300, certainly not Greek homework.
Anj is my lobster(story behind that for another time) and I really can't function without her. My life gets miserable when I am away from her.
Every night before they pretend to fall asleep we pray together and then I sing to the, Faith (youngest daughter) wants I Can't Take My Eye's off You and In DA Morning (Give Me Jesus) and Elly (oldest daughter) wants a new song every night. You know every night I get the chance to cuddle them and then sing to them I am really gonna miss that.
God put my in this place for a reason, and I will not let Him down. I just hope that the time away from my family will pass quickly. Geez, here I am thinking about this and is still 5 months away. Oh well, what else should I be doing at 2300, certainly not Greek homework.
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