mad ant’s posterous

Here's a great devotional my dad sent me the other day from Dr. Charles Stanley.

Defending the Faith
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats nor be troubled.  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
1 Peter 3:13-16

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:14

Last Friday, Belinda and I were invited by The Bridge (College and Career Ministry) to do some good old evangelizing on the streets. Evangelizing is basically sharing the gospel, or the good news, with people who do not yet have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I don't wanna come off as though this was something that came easy, in fact, it was a lot easier said then done. It's one of those things that as a Christian, we are all commanded to do (Matthew 28:19), and it's also known as the Great Commission. From what I've gathered, only 10% of the modern church actually goes out and shares the Word!

We came in a bit late to the Prayer room at church where the team was meeting, and we then proceeded to do some role-playing to get us ready for the task that we would complete by the end of the night. There was roughly 25-30 people I think, and we split up into smaller groups with some of us going to local high schools and my particular group heading out to the Redondo Beach Pier.

Belinda and I were partnered up with a lovely woman by the name of Martha. She was a veteran to this sorta thing, I guess you could say, and the way she approached people seemed so effortless. As the body of Christ, we have tools in evangelizing: one being the Bible of course, and also the use of tracts, which are either small booklets or fliers that contain basic information of who Jesus Christ is and why He is significant to us.

For the first 10-20 minutes, Belinda and I clung on to Martha and just smiled at the people she approached. For the most part, the majority of people we met were all fisherman who really didn't have much else to do but wait until they caught something, so they had plenty of time to read what we were sharing with them.

At one point or another, Belinda and I finally spread our wings and we began slowly approaching people on our own, kindly asking if they had time to read this or that, or invite them to Calvary Chapel's HarvestFest (which is the church's alternative to Halloween, where the kids can get candy, families can hear about Jesus, and everyone can enjoy the booths and games set up).

This being our first time doing it, I really believe that God was really covering us that night. Most, if not all, the people were very kind to Belinda and myself, even when they weren't interested in what we had to share. Coincidentally, the moment that we had split from Martha was the very moment that she found herself in a little spat with a woman at the pier. Martha had kindly asked if the lady knew where she was going if she were to die, and the woman felt as though it wasn't any of our business. Needless to say, Martha politely shared her testimony and carried on. However, I think God really had His hand in this moment, because had Belinda and I had seen that altercation or argument, we probably would've been very discouraged in going on our own and sharing God's Word. So, by not seeing any of that, God was able to give us the courage to share with complete strangers at the beach.

Saturday was a big day because it was the HarvestFest at church and it would be the first time for me to both attend and serve at one of the booths. At a bible study a few weeks beforehand, I had signed up to be part of the God Answers Prayers/Got Jesus? booth.

Dad and I started the day out by taking the motorcycles out toward Hollywood, as a means for me to test it out before I start riding with Charlotte to work. It was a bit congested on the freeway, so we literally went there and back without stopping in about an hour or so. Dad had to be at church to help set up so I took the rest of the morning before my shift at the booth, to enjoy the weather and the ride around the coast. I drove from Torrance, through Palos Verdes, Malaga Cove, Portugese Bend and all the way to Pt. Fermin in San Pedro (by the end of the day, I had to gas up after having already gassed up in the morning!).

While I was enjoying my ride, dad on the other hand managed to somehow miscalculate a step or two whilst moving things around at church, and had taken a fall and fractured his foot (which we found out on Sunday). However, dad stuck it out for the day, and helped out with the kids and even with some of the taking down of everything before actually being asked to leave by Pastor Stef, who was concerned for his health.

Working the Prayer booth sounded like a manageable task when I had signed up for it, but as soon as I got there, I realized that it was kind of a daunting task in hindsight. It was amazing just how many people had come to the booth (both people who attended our church and those who had never been before). I've come to realize that everyone really, needs prayers regardless of the relationship or lack thereof, with our Father in Heaven.

Some prayers were very general, and the folks didn't have anything specifically they wanted to lift up to the Lord. Others were very precise and honestly, some prayer requests made my heart sink and put in perspective that we're all sinners in need of a savior. I found myself praying for older people, young couples, over small children, etc. By the time I knew it, my shift was over and I spent the rest of the time hanging around my dad, until I helped out with taking down all the booths and tents at the end of the night.

As you could imagine, dad was in bad shape for Sunday and literally couldn't walk at all. So with the help of James and my mom, I substituted for the 4th graders and it went pretty well. We picked up where we left off the week before, and the kids were as receptive as I'd hoped they'd be.

All in all, I think this weekend was just awesome. As of late, my prayers have been that I would learn how to really pray with a heart that desires to please God; and wouldn't you know it, God opens the doors for evangelizing opportunities, working a prayer booth, and teaching and praying over the 4th graders.

As much as I'd like to take credit for all of the things I've written about, I think it's evident that the glory and the magnification goes to God; He's in control of everything, He knows our thoughts before we think 'em and our words before we even say 'em!

As if this post wasn't long enough, I'll leave you with some pictures I've taken since the last post. God Bless you!

Start of a new week. Was able to wake up early enough for a nice morning jog. Fooled around with this new app on the iPhone again. Here's some pics. Some old and some new.

Matthew 6:19-21 says
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This weekend I learned that the hard way, as I had breakfast with Pastor Dennis, Stuart (or Stewart?), and my buddy James. We had a very small gathering where we were to meet for breakfast at Norm's, and I lost my iPhone. I can only really laugh about it now, but I was more in shock when it took place. Not only that, but just minutes before I was going to pay for my meal, $12 dollars from my sweater pocket seemed to disappear too. Sigh...

It's an interesting thing when we get so attached to the material things here on earth. I got so dependent on that phone that I felt useless without it. But, contrary to how I felt about it, the Word says that we must build up our treasures in heaven! Meaning, we shouldn't be so materialistic and rely so heavily on what we have here. Sure, God allows us to have such things, and He blesses it, but at the same time we need to remember that He gives and He takes away. For where your treasure is, there your hear will be also. This means that we aren't defined by the things we have, like our cars, clothes, etc... Instead we are to be made complete and blameless in the eyes of God, through His son Jesus Christ.

Even though I was pretty bummed about losing my phone, I still had a really great time chatting with my brothers in Christ, and Pastor Dennis and James really helped me to put things in perspective. Perhaps someone might've found/stole the phone and God might be using that particular situation in a powerful way that I can't see yet. At the end of the day, God still continues to provide and that's what matters most.

I'll admit, it still feels weird to know someone might be scrolling through my contacts, photos, calendar, etc. Needless to say, I managed to replace the phone and I found some time to edit some pictures and even take some video. Hope y'all had a blessed weekend.

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IMG_0477.MOV (4482 KB)

Supporting Oppai (pun intended, for those in the know), at his basketball game at CalState Long Beach.

So, I had the amazing opportunity to teach 2nd graders today, for the third service (10:45am) at church. James was kind enough to be my teacher's assistant and made sure the kids didn't get too restless. Overall it went very well.

I know I say this often, but I can't stress enough, how much this was a humbling experience. I had been praying on it all week, that God would really guide me during the class time with the kids. The lesson was on Noah's Ark and most of the kids were familiar with the story, and they were all eager to participate in reading together. I thought that maybe I'd speed through and I'd be left with like, 15 minutes where I wouldn't know what else to do; but instead, we had so much to talk about in class that we just barely finished it in time for the parents to pick 'em up. God is so awesome, and I'm so thankful and so blessed that today didn't turn into a disaster. All the glory be to God! I'm actually kinda looking forward to another opportunity to teach again... so we'll see!

Dad's devotional he sent me this morning, just happened to be on teaching our children well. It's important that we as parents or older brothers and sisters, really plant that seed in our young ones that they may grow in God's word, and really build on a personal relationship with Him.

Here's a small excerpt from it:
"When an adult wants to impart important information to a child, it’s often best related in a story because it is more easily understood and enjoyed. Telling children the stories in God’s Word is especially crucial because the Bible’s enduring truth can shape character and show consequences of actions (1 Cor. 10:11). Tiny seeds of faith can be cultivated in fertile soil and help children to see how God has worked in the lives of His followers throughout history. Bible stories also show how God is intimately involved in our lives."

You shall teach [God’s Word] to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. —Deuteronomy 11:19

The devotional ended with: The character of your children tomorrow, depends on what you put into their hearts today.

And with all that said, I also had a bit of a struggle with this past week as I fought hard to shake off this cold/flu. I'd say I'm about 95% well, but I'm definitely feeling better than last week.

Last but not least, it's my buddy James' 22nd birthday, and we just came back from dining at a Thai place down the street from our office. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES! And on Saturday, it was my Grandpa's birthday and I was able to see most of the family there. The picture shown below, is of an actual picture that was taken during my cousin Liz's birthday/graduation. The other pics are just random stuff that has happened since the last post! Haha. Goodnight!

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13 Unchanging.mp3 (5742 KB)

Today's devotional from Pastor James MacDonald (Walk In The Word Ministries) was very insightful. I really enjoy the way Pastor James delivers his messages, because he does not hold back.

Are you a new believer in Jesus Christ? Have you just rededicated your life to God, and want to know if you're truly living the Christian life?

Do I Wear The Marks?

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
 1 John 5:13-15

Are you a Christian? How do you know?

You're not a Christian because you say you are anymore than you're in Cincinnati because you know how to get there. Being a Christian is not about knowing how to become a Christian; it's about knowing you are one.

If you don't have a mane; if you don't have sharp teeth; if you don't have a long tail - you're not a lion no matter what you say.

If you don't have tires; if you don't have a motor; and if you don't have a steering wheel - you're not a car no matter you say.

If you can't carry a tune; and if you can't hit a note; and if your singing doesn't bless people - stick to the shower, because you're not a soloist no matter what you say.

In the same sense, Christians have fruit; they have characteristics; they have evidence; they have identifying marks.

John said in 1 John 5:13, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." You can have the assurance that you're saved. You don't have to wonder - just ask yourself, "Do I have the identifying marks?"

The book of 1 John repeatedly explains the distinguishing characteristics of followers of Christ. No one has them perfectly, but look at your life and ask yourself if you're increasing in these marks:

Am I loving more deeply? Not perfectly, but increasingly...

Am I obeying more faithfully? Not perfectly, but increasingly...

Am I living authentically? The Christian life is not a charade. I'm not wearing a mask. I'm not acting like I'm something I'm not. My heart is very tender to the Lord and He's growing me. That's part of being a real Christian.

When you see these marks in your life, and you know that you long to know Him more and be passionate about doing what pleases Him increasingly more in your life, then your heart swells with assurance. You belong to Him.

Hello there! Here's a great devotional I read this morning at work, found on the Upper Room's website.

Working For God

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.
-Colossians 3:23

"AFTER working with a title of "minister" for many years, I now work outside the church as a mental-health counselor. Even so, I don't feel any less a minister; my approach to this job is that of a Christian serving the Lord. Each person I see is a child of God. When I work with that in mind, my job becomes my ministry. Whatever job we have, whether a church job or a job in a secular field, we have opportunities to share the love of God.

In my current job, I see many people who would never enter a church. Because of this my ministry is more far-reaching than before. One day a co-worker asked me how I could treat our clients, who at times are belligerent, with such patience and kindness. I answered, "Because I'm doing it for God."

Each of us can look for opportunities to work for God in the way we do daily tasks."

Do you ever feel like work is never-ending, or that all the effort you're putting into whatever you're doing, is going unseen? Remember that we are in this world, and not of this world; therefore, whatever job we're doing, be it at ministries at church or something secular, we are to represent God's grace and love in all we do.

God is good. That's all I can say, and that's what I need to say first and foremost. He has an interesting and profound way of reaching His children, and I feel like He's really been putting in my heart, the desire to have a deeper understanding of resisting temptation. I kid you not, whether I turned on the radio, changed the channel on TV, or listened to the message at bible study, each was leading me to discovering what temptation is, and how we as Christians should handle it.

Pastor Greg once said in one of his messages, something like, "temptation is like a flock of birds flying overhead... You can't stop them from flying around, but you can certainly put an effort to make sure they don't build a nest upon your head!"

Tonight, Pastor Rob had a detailed message put together by dissecting James 1:12-18.

Need For Endurance
1. endure (v): comes from the Greek word hupomeno which means to remain, bear calmly and more specifically to hold fast to one's faith in Christ.
2. temptation (n): comes from the Greek word pirasmos which is an enticement to sin, a trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue and constancy.

Temptations are everywhere, and the devil will continue to throw them in our direction. And as we learn from the book of James, we must have faith in God, a faith with works (because a faith without works is dead James 2:20).

Why should we resist temptation and endure the hardships? Because in verse 12 it reads, blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

I. Temptation's Defuser
1. We must keep on resisting, we must endure.
2. We must keep our eyes on the prize, so to speak. The prize being the crown of life, which is a greater reward than what the devil offers when we sin by giving in to temptation. If we believe in God, and we believe that He is perfecting us to be like His son Jesus Christ, then it should not be of any surprise to know that if Jesus suffered persecution and endured temptation, then we should also.

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. We must keep on loving God. If we love God, we will keep his commandments and we will keep away from sin because we know it grieves the Holy Spirit and sin separates us from our loving Father.

II. Temptation's Blame
Verse 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
Often times, we try to put the blame on someone else or something else. In the garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. We know that the devil tempts and that God tests.

Exodus 20:20 And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin."

III. Temptation's Source
Verse 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
If we know that God does not tempt, then we know that the devil certainly does. We are drawn and lured into temptations because whether we like to admit it or not, we are sinners and therefore we sin.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
Basically what this verse is saying is that we might have the desire to do what is good, but we find that we can't carry it out (at least, not without the help from our Father in heaven).

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.

IV. Temptation's Result
Verse 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
I think this verse is pretty straight forward. Temptation begins with a desire or a lust for something, when we give into temptation is when we sin, and by sinning we ultimately become destructive and separate ourselves from God.

V. Temptation's Lie
Verse 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
When we fall into temptation, and we give in and sin, we often put the blame on others or find ourselves in denial.
Ex: "It's not as bad as it looks." "Other people are just blowing it out of proportion." "I got angry because things at home are just boiling over and if they hadn't done this or that, it wouldn't have gotten this far... etc."

VI. Temptation's Remedy
Verse 17-18  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures.
God provides a remedy: a regeneration in Jesus Christ, otherwise known as being "born-again."

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Now that we're born again in Jesus Christ, we have responsibilities of leading lives that are pleasing to God, because we love Him. And moreover, because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us, we will therefore bear good fruit.

Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 3:1-5 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil, desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.

Matthew 24:13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

And that was the message that I was able to get from Pastor Rob. A lot to take in on the first read, but I pray that God gives me wisdom and discernment to follow His will. I hope this short message finds you well. God bless.

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09 Be Still.m4a (6761 KB)