Family

This past weekend I had the opportunity to witness something.  Something very special. I was able to fly to Dallas this weekend and see my girlfriends brother (Jobin) get married.  And it was wonderful.  There, I met their extended family for the 1st time and I must say I was actually pretty nervous.  Juby picks me up from the airport, takes me back to her brothers place where I meet two of their cousins and of course, stuck my chess out, shoulders back and with confidence went up to them and introduced myself. Still being somewhat nervous, they shook my hand, smiled back and introduced themselves to me.  Though at 1st it took a few minutes to start a conversation (because everyone was changing getting ready for the wedding) once someone spoke, the conversation took off.

1 Peter 2:17

Respect everyone, and LOVE your christian brothers and sisters.  Fear GOD, and respect the King.

As we headed out to the church, Jobin asked me to drive one of the cars where Daniel and Ashlin (Juby and Jobin's cousins) accompanied me.  During the ride we simply began to talk and started to get to know each other.  We pull up to the church, unpack the cars of the things we need for the wedding and went inside one of the rooms to change.  In the room was a piano (which I hadn't played in months) so I began to play as the groom and groomsmen changed.  One of the songs I was playing was a familiar sound when all of a sudden I heard Ashlin come up from behind me and start singing along with the tune.  We instantly made a connection and next thing you know, Daniel began to sing as well. We began to sing song after song from one to the other and come to find out they both play instruments in which we could have easily began a whole worship session.  That very moment was the same moment that allowed us to connect and LOVE each other as believers in  Christ and to honor the people of GOD.  It was simply Beautiful.

(Ashlin, Juby & Daniel)

Acts 28:2

The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold.

Now... Don't misinterpret what I'm about to say.  No it wasn't raining and I wasn't in the cold and they didn't build me a fire BUT, they welcomed me into their home and showed me EXTRAORDINARY Kindness.  I could have needed to stay at a Hotel and they didn't have to include me in on their FAMILY festivities but they did.  Before everyone left, Daniel said: "Man... I don't wanna go back home. Why can't every day be like this?" and when he said that, it made me realize why I had such a great time with them.  Though I wasn't with "MY" FAMILY, they made me feel so welcomed and inclusive that simply being around a FAMILY atmosphere brought such Joy to my heart.  It made me not only appreciate the time I was able to spend with my Juby and her FAMILY but how grateful I am for my own. 

I arrived at the airport, said my goodbyes to Juby, her brother Jobin and his wife Ina.  As we departed and as I started walking to my gate, I thought about how much fun I had with the FAMILY.  I left Dallas and arrived in Seattle for my connecting flight back to Fairbanks Alaska.  I moved to the next gate, boarded the plane and say in my seat.  I then began to think about how much I already missed Juby and her FAMILY because I had such a great time with them that I wanted to hear from my own.  I called my Mom just to say hi and said: "Hey! What are you doing?!" She responded "Hey Honey! I'm at the fair with your Father and the cousins. How are you?!" I don't know what it was but when she asked that, it made me miss her and my FAMILY more and my eyes began to water and I responded as best as I could (without her knowing I was about to cry) "I'm good Mom! Just wanted to say hi and let you know how much I LOVE and miss you.  Were about to take off so I'll call when I land" Mom answers: "Ok Babe! We LOVE and miss you too.  So much. Bye Sweetheart!" and before I speak, I choke, wipe the tears from my face, take a deep breath and as best as I knew how I said "Ok Mom, LOVE you too" and hung up.

Lamentations 3:22

The Lord's loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end.

I said this to say that as much as I miss my FAMILY, I was so fortunate to spend my last weekend before I deploy with someone I care about deeply and her FAMILY.  My time spent with them reminded me how our Heavenly Fathers Kindness NEVER ceases and that his compassion NEVER ends.  Do I miss her, her FAMILY and the time I've had with my FAMILY and best friends? You better believe I do.  But GOD is with me at ALL times and I am just overwhelmed with tears of Joy (even as I write this) that GOD's kindness over flows through the people he's put in my life whether I'm home, in Houston, Dallas, Alaska or even Afghanistan.  In my life, my GOD is lifted high and as best as I can and know how to, I will continue to keep him the center of my life knowing that he is my passion and my portion.  So Thank You Heavenly Father for your LOVE, Kindness and compassion (whether it's directly from you or through our LOVED ones) and thank you LORD, for FAMILY.

GOD is LOVE

Balance

I've been in Alaska now for over 2 months and each week has been a growing and learning experience.  The past couple weeks I have struggled with Fear. Not so much of Fear of knowing where GOD is going to take me or IF he's going to take me but... Fear of loosing the relationships I've gained with others as GOD takes me on a new Journey.  Much of what I will write is between what I have learned from Brian Houston (Pastor of Hillsong Church) and Joyce Meyer. I only HOPE to simply share with you what I've learned from them and How relevant it has not only been to me, but even you.

My Heavenly Father has blessed me far beyond I can possibly imagine with the people he has placed in my life. Everyone from my Parents, my Sister, Extended Family, Best Friends, my Girlfriend, and of course, my Church Family. I can easily go on and on with the wonderful amazing Kingdom Minded People GOD has placed in my life.  So I want to take a moment and share with you some of who they are.

As You can see, GOD has truly given me the best people you can ever come across in life.  

2 Corinthians 8:14

Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need.  Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it.  In this way, things will be equal.

I truly believe with my whole heart that GOD puts people in our lives to grow towards him. There are many passages in the Bible that talks about it from: Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them or, As Iron Sharpens Iron, man sharpens man and the How it takes EVERYONE to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ because where one may lack, the other may strengthen hence... "United... WE STAND" However, there are times where we need our own moment with GOD himself.

Luke 14:26-27

If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life.  Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.  And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

Many times we want a special someone to sit right by our side as we view the scenery of GOD (His Plan for us).  This is probably one of the most controversial versus in the Bible but we need to grasp this from a place of understanding. Under NO circumstances does this allow us to Disregard people and above all to stop "LOVING" People but, if we want to do what Jesus calls us to do we have to go where he is.  When we look back on and think about the many wonderful great things Jesus did for "People", under NO circumstances did he let Mary, Martha, his Disciples etc "People" STOP him from fulfilling GOD's will. We have to decide sometimes that we are going to live above the fickleness and NOT get pulled into peoples smallness (even at Church Life and our own Family and Friends) at the cost of doing what GOD has called us to do.  That many times... those who LOVE us most, are the very same people that may be distracting us from the calling of GOD and on top of that... they don't even realize it.  Which is why it is so important that we stay Vertical in Christ and must be cautious and AWARE of what GOD is trying to do in our lives.  That we not only NOT be distracted by Others, but mindful that WE Ourselves are not a distraction to someone else (Our LOVED ones) so they can fulfill their purpose and the will of GOD.   

Psalm 119:125

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.

What goes on in life that causes us to be completely oblivious to some things in our lives?  That we can live our life completely oblivious to the fact that we are unaware to important things that relate to the purpose of GOD.  So, pray for discernment meaning... AWARENESS.  

Proverbs 1:32

For simpletons turn away from me-to death.  Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.  

UnAWARENESS won't necessarily just kill you, but it will kill our potential and our blessings in Christ. 

    

John 12:26

Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am.  And the Father will honor ANYONE who serves me.

Sometimes... it just needs to be YOU and GOD with NO ONE Else.  Don't let what GOD has called you to do (People), Distract you from what GOD has called you to do (which are people).  And without realizing it, for months, maybe even years, I've done this very thing.  That me being in Alaska and now going to Afghanistan, has taught me not only how fortunate I am to have those who choose to keep in touch with me but that I have had to rely on no one else but GOD and realizing that when I have him? He is ALL I need.  I had to be pulled away from those whom I LOVE most because GOD is calling me to do his will.  Though I LOVE my Family, my best friends, my girl friend, my Church Fam and my Dance Fam, I can't let the people around me distract me from reaching the people around me.  That as much as I am LOVED by Others and as much as I do my ALL in Christ to consistently LOVE Others and Fellowship with them as best as I know how, there has to be a BALANCE in how much I rely on the people of GOD, and GOD himself when it comes to serving him and giving my ALL to him.  I can't overuse the wonderful people GOD has blessed me with nor not use them at all. At the end of the day, I need to achieve and maintain a BALANCE.  For I CAN NOT and WILL NOT live outside of the will of GOD. If I want to go where Jesus goes, I have to be where he is.  

GOD is LOVE

Resilient + Growth = Overcomer

Life is full of events.  Some are good, some are bad but in everything you endure, the key is to learn from it.  When we learn from it, we can practice it. When we practice it, we become better at it. And when we become better at something than where we were before, it shows that we GROW from it.  

Many times in life when we endure a trial or tribulation we tend to see things in Black and White.  It's one way or the other. We ask questions such as "Why didn't it happen this way and not that way?" We easily get tunnel visioned and look at what we don't have.

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. and when sin is allowed to GROW, it gives birth to death.  

Black & White Mentality: It is easy to place any type of blame on others and make excuse for evil thoughts and wrong actions.  We use excuses such as: (1) It's the other person's fault, (2) I couldn't help it, (3) it was just a mistake etc.  That a person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from him/herself to something or someone else and NOT taking responsibility for his/her own actions, confess them and ask GOD for forgiveness.

During the past month of being geographically separated from the ones I LOVE most, I've had much time to GROW in Christ.  Between being away from my LOVED ones, adapting to a new place of living by myself, enduring the death of a good friend and mentally and spiritually preparing myself to now go to Afghanistan for 10 months has taught me that I needed two things. Patience, and Peace.  My relationship with Christ has deepened and my Prayer Life has Increased Tremendously.  

2nd Corinthians 8:12

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly.  And give according to what YOU HAVE, not what YOU DON'T HAVE.

Black & White w/ Color Mentality: This very verse shows that there is no FAITH in starting to get locked in what you do not have.  The greatness of GOD does not come out of what you DON'T have but comes out of what you DO have.  Once I realized that me being away from my Family and best friends wasn't the problem, once I realized a good friend of mine who passed away wasn't the problem, and once I realized that even my deployment was not the problem but that it was me, Things started to STOP looking so... "Black & White" and began to see a little bit of color (The Bigger Picture).  As I began to allow GOD to GROW me, I began to slowly OVERCOME my situation.  

Galatians 6:9

So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.  

When we have those times in our lives and have... a spirit of "Being Weary", we have to realize that is is NOT just a feeling you get when you wake up one morning.  You GROW Weary and we must decide to persist and look to Jesus.  Hence as it says in the verse to NOT get tired of doing what is good. Don't GROW WEARY! 

2 Peter 3:18

I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends.  Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.  Rather, you must GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Color Mentality:  For Those who trust in the Lord will fine new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not GROW weary. They will walk and not faint. When we Stop making excuses and take responsibility for our own actions, thoughts, way of thinking, that's when we can allow GOD to GROW us.  And when we GROW in Christ, we can OVERCOME anything in him.  That if we stop seeing things so "Black & White" and see the bigger picture, we'll realize that it takes even dark colors to paint a masterpiece.  An OVERCOMER will NEVER live out of what they DON'T HAVE.  The moment you get worked up by what you DON'T have, is the same moment you stop building HOPE. So I encourage you, in whatever you are facing, to become a RESILIENT believer. For a RESILIENT believer is a GROWING Believer. And a GROWING Believer, is an OVERCOMING Believer.  

GOD is LOVE

Faith + Patience = Endurance

It's been a while since I've written an article and since my last one, a lot has happened in my life in which I will mention right now and what GOD has been doing to this day.

The past couple weeks have been rough.  I've been battling against myself for quite some time in my own mind. Believe it or not, for the 1st time in my life, thoughts of: Thinking less of myself, thinking I'm not capable of doing something, not knowing GOD's plan and because I don't know it I then doubt myself.  Yes... All of these thoughts amongst so many more have occurred to me sadly multiple times the past month (especially the past few days).  So as you continue to read, I ask that you be patient with where I'm going with this. I AM a work in progress

Romans 12:2

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let GOD transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know GOD's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Like a tree, Amazing how empty, dry, and unfulfilled we can feel when we try to do things on our own (a "thing of this world").  Difficult to grow seeds of LOVE, Joy, Kindness, Peace, etc when we don't allow the Holy Spirit to be a part of us.  

Galatians 5:22

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: LOVE, Joy, Peace, PATIENCE, Kindness, Goodness, FAITHfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.  There is NO law against these things!

I just recently finished my training in San Antonio, Texas at FT Sam Houston learning about my Job Occupation being a Medical Planner in the ARMY.  My Current Duty Station is Alaska and I have to say, the short 3 months that I have been in has gotten me to think quite a bit.  Recently, I've questioned my future (as far as, what specifically do I want to do with it) and for the 1st time in my life... I absolutely have no idea.  And that? For me, bothered me. Because I ALWAYS was a person to have a plan in life and after speaking with my Dad, he reminded me that it's spiritual warfare.  Because during my time of not knowing what I want to do with what's to come, I didn't even have a desire to ask GOD to guide me. I got so caught up and frustrated in feeling less than, I DID NOT want to go to Christ and ask for his wisdom and direction.  The moment my Dad helped me identify this, he said "Mark... that's the enemy working on you. Clearly your doing something right because he's doing all he can to prevent you from GOD's blessing".  The moment he said that, I began to shed a few tears realizing I turned my back on my Heavenly Father.  

Colossians 1:11-12

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the ENDURANCE and PATIENCE you need.  May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.  He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

We are more than capable of accomplishing and achieving anything in life but this scripture clearly tells us we CAN'T do it by ourselves.  That we need the "Glorious POWER" in order to gain the ability of ENDURANCE and receive PATIENCE to accomplish all GOD has in store.  That at times, we need to take a seat, Let Go and Let GOD.  I had to get myself back to the basics and remind myself of not just "Who I am" (In Christ) but... "Who's I am".  That I can be CONFIDENT in Jesus Christ's CONFIDENCE.

I just moved to Alaska a little over a week ago and GOD gave me the privilege of blessing me with one of my Best Friends to come with me.  I was more than fortunate to have Ronnie with me because going to a new environment where none of your LOVED ones are there was scary for me.  Not having those you've grown to LOVE around as well as not having your fellow Christian Community of believers truly broke me down to the point of tears many times.  Within my 1st week in my new place of living, I spent my Birthday by myself on the same day as Easter and one of my really good friends passed away unexpectedly.  At this point, I had multiple different emotions flowing through my head.  Two days later beginning my in-processing on base, I meet my Unit and then discover I'm being deployed to Afghanistan less than a month for a year.  I went back to my room not knowing what to do and how to tell those I LOVE I'm leaving once again.  I was Angry, Bitter, Upset, Sad, Scared, Speechless and above all else... Overwhelmed. 

Psalm 25:4 

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

The road to serve Jesus Christ is definitely not an easy one (and no one ever said it would be).  However the key is that we have to want to be guided and realize that GOD's primary guidance system is in his Word.  Though many times we are tempted (like myself this entire time) demand answers, instead we must ask for direction and be willing to seek GOD.  Though ALL I've been enduring is a surprise to me, It's no surprise to him.  We don't need to know what GOD is going to do and when he's going to do it. All we need to know is that he is with us, and that whatever it is he's going to do, HE WILL DO IT!  He may not always show up on OUR time but he ALWAYS shows up ON Time.  I don't have perfect FAITH but believe and know that I admit it and pray to GOD on the daily (sometimes more than once on the same day) for him to help me in it.  As Joyce Meyer says "Jesus Christ didn't die on the cross so you can live insecure for the rest of your life".  For in myself... I'm NO-Thing but in Christ... I'm EVERYTHING.  

Romans 5:3-5

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And ENDURANCE develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this HOPE will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly GOD LOVES us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his LOVE.  

GOD is LOVE

A "RADICAL" Experience

So every year when I go back home for the Winter Break, my Church back home FBCV (Faith Bible Church of Vallejo) host a Winter Camp Martin Luther King Weekend every year since 2006.  I know at this point your probably thinking to yourself.... "Wow! Another blog about Winter Camp?" And the Answer is... YES! Another Article about Winter Camp.  There is always a theme to every year and every year I am constantly blown away by the things my Heavenly Father bless me with.

Luke 9:23-24

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

I have two very close friends to me.  Matter of fact, they're more than "close" they're definitely two of my best named Jordon and Kayla.  I have known them since High School so we have been in each others lives going on 5 years and it has been a wonderful experience to have them as a part of my life.  For the past couple years I have been trying to get them to come with me to Winter Camp up in Lake Tahoe with my Church and unfortunately due to personal things, I never got the privilege of having them with me during such a wonderful experience... until Now.

They came to Winter Camp because they wanted to spend my very last two days in California with me before I left to go back to Texas (which was very thoughtful) but... GOD had other plans in mind and I praise him for using me to fulfill his will.  In the past couple years, Jordon and Kayla have struggled in having a "Community" of believers to fellowship with at all times and I speak from personal experience knowing their very exact feelings.  Needless to say, I was more than ecstatic to have them come with me to this Winter Camp Retreat because I knew exactly what they would get out of it. Actually... I didn't, because it surpassed the expectations I was holding in which they got more than what I anticipated for them to receive.  But it's always like GOD to show up and show out.  

We had the distinct pleasure of having a young man named "Pastor Ting Wang" as our special guest speaker and let me tell you when I say, GOD truly has put an anointing on this Gentleman.  We had quite a few 1 Hour Q & A sessions in which we can ask him anything.  People asked questions from... "How do you deal with an Atheist? Is it a Sin if you have a "Wet Dream"? Do you believe in speaking in Tongues? etc" And he answered every single question.  But it's not the fact that he answered every question, but he answered it with Scripture.  Being able to instantly on the spot refer to any book in the Bible in which talks about the very subject that was asked about.  That very thing right there encouraged and inspired me in so many ways because at no point in time do I ever want to get myself at a point in life where I can't endure something or stand up for my FAITH due to lack of knowing.  There is absolutely no reason, as a follower in Christ why we shouldn't be able to do the same.

Psalm 118:8

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

On the very last night, everyone has the opportunity to speak in front of others and share with them a Testimony.  It could be about anything in which your voice can be heard and that GOD may bless someone using your story.  I am very proud to say that both Kayla and Jordon individually got up and spoke in front of the whole group expressing their very feelings and how GOD changed and answered their very prayer on how important fellowship is.  Both of them had a moment where they began to cry because of how moved they were with the whole experience GOD had blessed them with.  It was at that very moment that when I saw them cry, I broke down myself and let tears of joy roll down my face.  If you've read any of my earlier articles, I talked about how important it is that as we continue to grow in Christ, we must find ourselves a "Community" of believers whom we are equally yolked with in order to continuously grow in him.  

Ephesians 4:2-3

Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your LOVE.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  

   

I have no shame in saying that as I watched my best friends break down, I broke down with them because that was a very distinct moment (for all of us).  I believe it's very safe to say that the three of us in that moment had an "Epiphany" because we all realized how much GOD had truly grown us.  I have known Kayla and Jordon for almost 5 years now and I have never seen them at such a Vulnerable state the way I saw that very weekend but it was simply Beautiful because it was that moment in which GOD changed their heart in order for them to serve him for his glory.  And as a brother in Christ to them, I know GOD has truly been growing me because I was so touched to witness their Conviction.  You will come to find in life that as you grow in Christ, your LOVED ones Struggles are your Struggles but... on the other extreme, your LOVED ones blessings are your blessings.  And THAT, was the very reason why that weekend January 14th-17th 2011 was truly A "RADICAL" Experience.  The three of us along with many others from our church walked away with so much more insight in our relationship with Christ.  It really humbled us showing us that we have so much more we need to learn and know if we want to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.  But I am still very proud of myself at where I've come in Christ because I am NOT the same where I was at last year, 6 months ago or even one month ago.  I praise GOD for enduring such A "RADICAL" Experience to get back in tune with the very plan my Heavenly Father has in store for me in which I can touch others and give him ALL THE GLORY.   

GOD is LOVE

Worship

Just 3 days ago, I came back from another Winter Camp retreat with my Church up in South Lake Tahoe.  We spoke amongst many things up there but one thing that was a true highlight for me was our WORSHIP.  Talk about GOD's Divine Intervention because he put two people in my life that had a grave influence on me and changed the way I look at music and how I can worship freely for my Heavenly Father.  Between the teachings of Pastor Ting Wang I learned this past weekend and what I've learned in the past from Pastor Marcos Witt, I am going to share with you what I have learned.

Jesus wants to teach mankind the fountains and springs of life.  Why should I be a WORSHIPper and why is the father seeking worshippers?  These questions will be addressed with three different points.

1.)  WORSHIPping GOD keeps things in perspective

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am GOD!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the World.

We "BOW DOWN" to keep GOD Bigger.  Sometimes we need to stop fighting, relax and just stand there.  Be still and know that GOD is GOD.  To reverently honor him and his power and majesty.  

2.)  WORSHIPping GOD helps keep me with a spirit of Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.  

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

GOD alone is worthy of being WORSHIPed.  It's good to praise GOD for what he has done and what continues to do, but what about praising GOD simply for who he is?  This psalm right here reminds us of GOD's goodness and dependability, and then to worship with thanksgiving and praise.  

3.)  WORSHIP mobilizes GOD's armies in my favor

Judges 7:20-21

Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars.  They held the blazing torches int heir left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted,"A sword for the lORD and for Gideon!" Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape.  

This story of Gideon was for GOD to demonstrate to Israel that victory does not come from man's own strength or the number of people we may hold, but being obedient and committed to GOD whom gives us the ability to do all things so he gets all the glory.  

This man and his girlfriend Queenie for some reason saw something in me that I didn't.  We began to talk about different styles of music and how I use to be on the Praise and WORSHIP team for my high school and hadn't done it in over 5 years.  As we began to talk, we eventually made our way towards the instruments and began to sing songs of Praise.  We started around 12:15 in the morning and as we began to worship for GOD, many of our friends began to gather around us.  What started as just two grew to 3, 6 and eventually there were about 15 men and woman of GOD surrounding the Piano WORSHIPping together as one.  And let me tell you that GOD was in that place because we went all the way through till 3:45 in the morning!  I've "lead" WORSHIP before but to be in the presence of so many Kingdom Minded People to all live and serve for a greater purpose than ourselves is beyond compared.  I have never gone for over 3 hours of WORSHIP and the whole thing was not rehearsed.  Ryan and I have never worked together but everything simply flowed together and was more than just singing but eventually even lead to free WORSHIP!  That night I tapped into something that I never knew I was capable of in which I can glorify GOD.  And I am so thankful that GOD sent Ryan and Queenie to continue to push me in which I can truly freely PRAISE GOD without holding back because GOD is worth my all, not just a little.  

It's so important that we mediate on the and think about the goodness of GOD, his state of mind and remember them frequently.  What does WORSHIP Mean?  WORSHIP simply means "The placing of 'WORTH' on someone or something"  How much is GOD worth to you?  When it comes to serving and WORSHIPing, many don't know which one takes priority.  It's great to serve others.  In fact, it's one of the many things we are called to do as Children of GOD but service to Others without WORSHIP involved just becomes "Good Deeds".  It's Great to do "Good Deeds" but even unbelievers carry out acts of Good Deeds.  You place your "WORTH" on GOD through fellowship and the time you spend with him individually.  When you WORSHIP GOD from the right place, it's easy to want to serve GOD.  Serve GOD because you LOVE to serve GOD.  As great as it is to WORSHIP GOD with songs of praise, let's not forget that it's a Lifestyle.

     

For many will serve without WORSHIP BUT, It is IMPOSSIBLE to WORSHIP without Serving.  

GOD is LOVE

Couple of Encouragers

I recently came back from my 4th Winter Camp Retreat with my Church back home at Zephyr Point in South Lake Tahoe and every single experience never ever ceases to amaze me.  There is so much I wanna talk about my experience the past weekend though, I'm going to have to break it up into several different articles so bare with me as I make a point for each one.  And with to start this off right, I want to talk about a Couple of Encouragers.

1 Thessalonians 2:12

We pleaded with you, ENCOURAGED you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that GOD would consider worthy.  For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Three couples who stuck out this past winter camp did this very thing for me.  Three couples whom took the time as a couple and individually to speak in my life and ENCOURAGE me in-spite of whatever doubt or fear I may hold in the near future and I really do have to brag about who they are.  Because who they are as a people truly shows the Greatness of our GOD.  

Roughly 2 years ago, I met two people named Queenie and Ryan at Winter Camp and that's really the last time I got to speak with them.  We knew of each other and would facebook each other every now and then for Idol Chit Chat but that was about it.  I've seen them once in between the two years we met which was at my Best Friends Wedding but never really took the opportunity to get to know each other.

I have always known the passion Ryan holds for music but never really took the time to appreciate it.  Queenie was on my time the last time we met at our Winter Camp retreat and I never really did use that chance to build a friendship with her.

Somehow this past weekend, all motives were different (On both ends).  When we saw each other, the three of us was legitimately excited to see each other!  We began to catch each other up on the past couple things that had been going on in each others lives and then somehow as our conversation continued, the three of us began to talk about Music.  And come to find out, it wasn't just Christian Alternative we had in common... the three of us shared a common interest in Gospel and Christian R & B (specifically Israel & Anthony Evans. Who would have thought?!)

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

So we have been greatly ENCOURAGED in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your FAITH.  It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the LORD.  

Let me tell you that the good LORD used these two mightily this past weekend and revealed to me another gift I truly didn't know I had in which I PRAISE GOD and give him ALL THE GLORY for it (which will be in another article to come).  But Thank You guys.  Thank you for being so obedient to Christ in seeing something in me that I didn't see in myself as another way to PRAISE and WORSHIP our good LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST.  Ever since this weekend, I have looked at other Avenues of Approach to GLORIFY my GOD in an abundance of different ways so thank you guys. For seeing something and believing in something in me that I never really saw in myself. 

Two other Wonderful People of GOD has been of GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT to me.  I have only known them for almost 3 years now but we recently have been building our friendship on a whole other level.  As I was up in Lake Tahoe this past weekend, I had the privilege of having one of them as my room-mate.  Mr. Santos and I finally after all these years had the opportunity to room together.  You know they say you don't truly know someone until you live with them and I'm so thankful that I received that opportunity.  I was able to express the concerns I've been dealing with in my personal life right now and after I expressed to him with mine, he then did the same towards me.  Needless to say, we ended up talking until 2:30 in the morning but it was well worth it. 

I then got to have my home girl Leiza on my team this year for all the Workshops, games and skits we were going to do for the weekend and it was to much fun.  I received the chance to open up with her on where my heart lies in how I can better serve the Kingdom of GOD during one of our Workshop Sessions.  She along with many others was very receptive to it and continued to ENCOURAGE me that I am well able and have the potential to do it anywhere I go.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11

So ENCOURAGE each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work.  They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  

These two wonderful people of GOD speak those very things into me.  I received words of encouragement from Christian saying... "Hey man. Glad you came to winter camp before you left for Texas.  Stay up man and know your doing BIG things for GOD.  PRAISE Him for your life". Leiza was just as motivating when she checked in on me the next day saying... "I miss you already Mark! I'm excited for what GOD has already planned for you.  Be safe and ALL GLORY to GOD".  Yes... those very words from the two of them bring me such comfort and push me to do what I wasn't always so confident in.  Though I don't know what the good LORD's plans are for me in the next few months, clearly it's something huge.  I'm just thankful that they're so confident in whatever GOD has in store for me, it's so evident that they even see it.  What's even more Beautiful is that they show this same LOVE towards each other as they continue to grow together in Christ. I only pray that My Heavenly Father will bless me with someone as great as them.  

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Brothers and Sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.  Encourage those who are timid.  Take tender care of those who are weak.  Be patient with everyone.

For it is that very verse these four people LIVE by because they definitely Encourage me though I'm timid and took tender care of me when I felt weak.  During the midst of this, they were always patient and were nothing but a COUPLE OF ENCOURAGERS to me at the exact moment where I needed to hear it.  It's having people like you in my life that always reassure me that there is a GOD and he works so mightily in all ways.  

GOD is LOVE

Chosen Generation

These past couple days, I have been doing my best to get back on my spiritual grind and maintain my drive for the LORD.  It's time to stop playing around and get serious about what I need to be doing in his Kingdom.  It is a brand new year and which means another opportunity to make a "Lifetime Resolution" starting this year.  How important it is that I start doing what GOD wants me to do not just for my own sake, but even for the sake of Others.

Genesis 12:2

I will make you into a great nation.  I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to OTHERS. 

GOD wants to keep using us until it is our time to be home with the LORD.  

Psalm 71:18

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O GOD.  Let me proclaim your power to this new GENERATION, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Psalm 100:5

For the LORD is good.  His unfailing LOVE continues forever, and his FAITHfulness continues to each GENERATION.

Psalm 102:12

But you, O LORD, will sit on your throne forever.

Your fame will endure to every GENERATION.

I believe many times that we forget and don't realize that what we do in this life doesn't just impact our lives, but those around us.  That we are a GENERATION in which we can change the future and every future eventually becomes a past.  That we are a GENERATION in which we can rise up and do something for a greater cause.  A cause that is much greater than us.  That everything we do today doesn't just impact ourselves, and those around us but... it also impacts those whom have yet to come.  

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields.  And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.

When I read that verse, it really hit home for me how important it is that in all I do, it doesn't just affect me, but it affects my children and even my children's children.

Last year in the month of September, My mom had the Distinct pleasure of being admitted into the Board of Members of I.A.M.M.M. (Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine).  At the event, we met a ridiculous amount of wonderful people and the whole entire evening was a blessing.  That evening, I had the privilege of meeting former 4 Star General Colin Powell also the  1st Black Secretary of State.  However, allow me to give you the setup and why we got to be a part of such a wonderful event.

My Grandfather use to serve on the board of I.A.M.M.M.  On the board are people whom hold their M.D., P.H.D., Retired Presidents or Former C.E.O.'s of a company and at the time, he was the only person whom held his D.D.S.  Needless to say my Grandfather passed away Summer 09 due to a stroke.  A year went by and the program was looking for someone whom had their D.D.S. to be a part of the Board of Members and without a second hesitation, my mom was Nominated.  That night was the dinner in which she got to be a part of something big and sit with those various men and women at the table whom are making a difference in this nation in which opened up to an opportunity of me being able to meet with General Colin Powell amongst many other people.  Even in my Grandfathers death, my mom as well as myself are receiving some of his blessings simply because of the choices he made.  That weekend was a Testimony and proof of how important it is that all we do in life is not all about us!!

I believe it is so important we watch the very thing we do.  Especially when it comes to serving a younger GENERATION.  They look up to you in more ways than you think and really take to heart all you do whether it be for the better or for the worse.  Last month I graduated from College and one of my kids said... "You know something Mr. Mark?! Me and the girls were talking and I gotta say... you really encourage and inspire us all to go to College and get our Degree!!" I thought to myself... "Wow! How powerful is it, that you have kids that aren't even in high school talking about how they want to go to College and attain a Degree?" That very moment reminded me how important it is to watch the very things you not only say, but do.  That YOU do have the power to make a difference in one persons life.  And that difference you make in a persons life can be impacted so big, that it can be a change that last forever.  We are a CHOSEN GENERATION and this NATION needs to rise up.  GOD... we live for you! 

Lamentations 5:19

But LORD, you remain the same forever!  Your throne continues from GENERATION to GENERATION

GOD is LOVE

The One

So this past weekend, my parents just came back from a Marriage retreat with their church and they said... it blessed them in more ways than they imagined.  Grant it, it was their fourth one but they both agreed and said it was the best one by far.  Not only did they go and meet new couples but they got to fellowship and go with couples whom they've known for almost 10 years now.  The fact they were surrounded by other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those whom they consider to be some of their best friends enhanced their experience that much more.  They shared with me some of the exercises they did and what they learned about each other and I have to say, it really touched me.  They then told me they watched a movie named "Fireproof" to prove a point in how marriage can be and even, how some marriages are.  They asked if I've seen it and I said no so they borrowed it from a friend and we watched.  Now, though the acting wasn't necessarily always on point, when you look at the plot, storyline and the message, I can honestly say I really enjoyed it and it really moved me. I think what really did it for me is knowing that the film, is not far off from real life situations.  For those who don't know, it is about a couple who is on the verge of getting a divorce and is literally on their last limb of maintaining any HOPE to even want to stay together.

Before we even started the movie, my parents told me a story of a couple they met at the retreat.  A couple whom wasn't a member of the church but were looking to go to a Marriage Retreat and pulled up my parents church online.  They signed up and went.  Needless to say, as my mom put it, these guys are just like that couple in the movie I just saw.  It really moved both my parents and broke my moms heart to come across a couple who is at that point in their life to where they feel they need a divorce.

After the movie was over, my parents began to open up with me on some things they discussed about over the weekend.  Some things that may have been a concern to them but they discussed it like grown adults.  In one of the work shops they did, there was a section for discussion, solution and then a section where they feel they can't tell each other anything.  I am very proud and happy to say that in that last section, both of them said... "There was nothing in that section because there is NOTHING we can't tell each other".  I thought to myself... "Wooooww... how Beautiful is it to spend the rest of your life with someone that you can be completely open with?"

Ephesians 5:25 & 28

25: For Husbands, this means LOVE your wives, just as CHRIST LOVED the Church. 

28:  In the same way, husbands ought to LOVE their wives as they LOVE their own bodies.  For a man who LOVES his wife actually shows LOVE for himself.  

Though it is true that a woman is to submit to her husband, it is just as much that a man should submit to his wife and not abuse the responsibility of being head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church.  

Ephesians 5:21

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

LOVE is a selfless act in which the motive is... "What can I do for you?" So when it says... "Husbands ought to LOVE your wives, just as CHRIST LOVED the Church" V.S. 25-30  is a commandment for husbands to be willing to sacrifice everything for her, make her well being of primary importance, and care for her as he cares for his own body.  For NO wife needs to fear submitting to a man who treats her this way.  

1 Peter 3:7

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.  Treat your wife with understanding as you live together.  She may be weaker than you are, but she is your EQUAL partner in GOD's gift of new life.  Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

I look at my parents and I am so blessed to have an example of what a proper marriage is in the Kingdom of GOD.  Though I have had a Fantastic example, let me remind you that they both came from divorce homes.  And not just their parents but our Uncles, Aunts etc.  So believe me when I say... we come from a household of divorced families but PRAISE GOD my parents made a conscious decision to draw that line in the sand and break a Generational Curse.  That irrelevant to whatever example they did NOT have, they were committed to each other to set an example for me and my sister.  And I say that in spite of the fear I may have for when I get married, I now have a standard of when I get married.  My marriage at a minimum will be just as great as my parents.  I humbly say that my goal is for my marriage to be better than my parents and my kids to be better than my own.  For I know I'd be doing my parents a disservice if I settled for anything less.  Each generation should progress.  And I only plan for my kids to have a better married life than the one I will have with my future potential spouse.  

When my best friends James and Anneline got married, Pastor Ruel made a statement that forever stuck in my head and it was this... "Though your LOVE for each other is great, it WILL NOT be enough. You must rely on the strength of the LORD and his LOVE and wisdom will continuously guide you.  Keep him the center of your relationship".  I guess I write this to say that there isn't one day that goes by where I don't think of the day I get married.  That as every day goes by, I look forward to the day where I can be with that special someone but can I be honest?  I know there is no such thing as a perfect marriage but I am scarred to be a husband.  Not because of what my future wife may do but, me having a fear in which my wife may not feel appreciated due to what I'm doing or lack to do.  I want to be able to minimize the damage as much as possible.  Why be like Jonah and end up in a Big Fish because GOD told him to go right and he goes left?  For I've learned the hard way that disobedience not only can prolong your own blessing but it can unnecessarily impact others lives for the worse.  But then I think of this verse and believe me when I say at this very moment, I'm still working on trying to engrave this scripture in my heart.  

2 Timothy 1:7

For GOD has not given us a spirt of fear and timidity, but of power, LOVE, and self-discipline.

So in the mean time, I will continue to maximize my life as a single so I will be mentally, emotionally and spiritually fit for THE ONE that the good LORD will have in store for me.

GOD is LOVE