Did God reject His people? How often to we exalt ourselves and look down on others, because we are Christians? Verse 17 sets us straight. We have been "grafted" in among the natural branches. We share in the nourishment. The roots nourish us, not the other way around. Because of God's grace and mercy, we have been offered salvation. Not that we deserve it, but God has given us mercy and grace. Even though branches have been shed that we might be saved, we could be broken off just as easy. John 15 says that if the branch does not produce fruit, it will be pruned. Why, then, are we arrogant and not humble? Do we display and declare Christ in all aspect of our lives?
You might say, "We see that the Israelites have fallen numerous times throughout the Bible. God gave them chance after chance, but they kept turning away." Are you perfect? Am I perfect? Have any of us fallen beyond the reach of God's grace?
That is grace. We do not deserve it! Verse 6 shows us that our works have nothing to do with grace. If we pay a price for it, it is not grace.
There's a lot of stuff in Chapter 11. I don't want to talk about all of it right now, but this is what I'm chewing on right now. This whole book is amazing, each chapter equally so. What I find so amazing in this chapter is that Paul teaches and convicts, yet concludes with praise to God.
I find myself searching my mind and trying to ask myself questions to be accountable to Christ. I have spent so much time as accountability partners with people, and I wasn't sure what was really wrong with that. However, Jeremy C. stated it well today. When we are accountable to each other, we will undoubtedly let each other down. We should encourage one another and stay accountable to Christ.
I'm going to try and use an outline suggested this morning. I'm going to use it with the youth discipleship group, my small group, and hopefully some friends at work. I will share with anyone else who finds this helpful and wants to try and be more intentional.
Pray for humility. Thank God for grace! Stay in the word, living it out daily; displaying and declaring Christ. Thank God that we are not beyond saving. Thank Him for sending His only Son that we might have eternal life with God. God bless!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Long time, no chat
Well, I almost forgot this was here. However, I thought of it today, and I figured I'd try and update a bit. Since my last one, I've graduated OTS, gone to training in California, and graduated. Now, I'm on my way to FEWarren to be a missilier
Things have been great. I finished ASBC, and Kate is pregnant with a boy. He is due March 9th, 2010. There are pictures on my facebook.
We're staying in Barstow, California tonight. It is very interesting, and I don't think that I will ever stay here again. Mostly, it is because after looking for someplace to eat, the only thing I could think to say was, "If I eat at any of these places, I will get sick."
I guess, we're hoping and praying for good weather for the next few days, and that we can find the house for us in Cheyenne. I'm excited to be within a days drive to Omaha, and be back in the midwest with restaurants that are good, etc. I liked living in Cali by the ocean, but seasons and no daily fog is really nice.
Well, hopefully, there will be more later, and not so long between posts.
Things have been great. I finished ASBC, and Kate is pregnant with a boy. He is due March 9th, 2010. There are pictures on my facebook.
We're staying in Barstow, California tonight. It is very interesting, and I don't think that I will ever stay here again. Mostly, it is because after looking for someplace to eat, the only thing I could think to say was, "If I eat at any of these places, I will get sick."
I guess, we're hoping and praying for good weather for the next few days, and that we can find the house for us in Cheyenne. I'm excited to be within a days drive to Omaha, and be back in the midwest with restaurants that are good, etc. I liked living in Cali by the ocean, but seasons and no daily fog is really nice.
Well, hopefully, there will be more later, and not so long between posts.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
OTS
Well, I figured out how to do this from my phone. You see we can't really get to any websites that aren't for OTS.
The first few days sucked, but we are starting to get the hand of things. There's no way you can prepare for anything like this, so that's all I have to say about that.
We have our first test coming up on monday (1 week from tomorrow). Its one of the graded measurements that we really have to do well on.
So much has happened here, but I either cannot talk about it, or it would take to long. So, just know I'm okay, and if you want to send me goodies, ask kate or my mom for mý address.
OT STOBER OUT!
The first few days sucked, but we are starting to get the hand of things. There's no way you can prepare for anything like this, so that's all I have to say about that.
We have our first test coming up on monday (1 week from tomorrow). Its one of the graded measurements that we really have to do well on.
So much has happened here, but I either cannot talk about it, or it would take to long. So, just know I'm okay, and if you want to send me goodies, ask kate or my mom for mý address.
OT STOBER OUT!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Elvis in Memphis
Elvis has left the building!
Chris and I are in Memphis, TN. We are going to drive to montgomery today. It was nice to have a trip with someone else that's going through the same thing. If I had to travel by myself, I would be so much more stressed. We have done well so far, shaving two hours off our drive time yesterday.
We have no idea what lies ahead, and we're excited and nervous for it all. It was hard, yesterday, to leave. I can't imagine how hard it is for Chris and his family, having a week old new born and all. It's hard enough leaving my wife and dog.
I think that taking a couple weeks away this summer for work has helped a little bit, but I think it will really set in once we've been there for a couple of weeks. Luckily, they will keep us busy enough that I don't think I'll even have time to think about it.
I think we're getting ready to leave for Montgomery now, so I will talk with you all later.
Later that day....
On our way to Montgomery, we decided to stop by Graceland to see if we could find Elvis. I could've sworn I saw Elvis leave the building, and I looked at Chris and said, "I'm all shook up!" Anyway, he disappeared.
Well, we made it to Montgomery. We are entering the service in an amazing time in history. We ended up walking to the stadium near the hotel and ran into the Montgomery Democratic National Convention....
Chris and I are in Memphis, TN. We are going to drive to montgomery today. It was nice to have a trip with someone else that's going through the same thing. If I had to travel by myself, I would be so much more stressed. We have done well so far, shaving two hours off our drive time yesterday.
We have no idea what lies ahead, and we're excited and nervous for it all. It was hard, yesterday, to leave. I can't imagine how hard it is for Chris and his family, having a week old new born and all. It's hard enough leaving my wife and dog.
I think that taking a couple weeks away this summer for work has helped a little bit, but I think it will really set in once we've been there for a couple of weeks. Luckily, they will keep us busy enough that I don't think I'll even have time to think about it.
I think we're getting ready to leave for Montgomery now, so I will talk with you all later.
Later that day....
On our way to Montgomery, we decided to stop by Graceland to see if we could find Elvis. I could've sworn I saw Elvis leave the building, and I looked at Chris and said, "I'm all shook up!" Anyway, he disappeared.
Well, we made it to Montgomery. We are entering the service in an amazing time in history. We ended up walking to the stadium near the hotel and ran into the Montgomery Democratic National Convention....
We got to see our new boss, and are part of the history that shows just how far our country has come. Who would've imagined, 40 or more years ago, tha we would've had a black candidate, or a women, not to mention both on the same election. Needless to say, either way, we have made strides and are entering a new era that is unknown to everyone in the nation.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Down to the wire
Well, it's been a while since my last post. Everything's been a whirlwind. I'm not really even sure what's been happening. I know that I'm all sworn in, and ready to go. Yeah, I have a few things left to get done, but really, I'm just ready to go.
The cool thing was, my uncle-in-law was able to swear me in. It was awesome seeing the reaction from the guys in the building when a general walked in. They suddenly became happy, did everything efficiently, and were eager to do what they could. I was impressed that someone could receive so much respect without having to do anything. Interesting....
However, it was great to have family there. I got to spend some final times with my grandparents, mother, in-laws, and aunt and uncle. I saw final, but I just mean last time for a long time. Not really the final.
I got to see Chris' new baby, and watch his other kids for a while. It was nice to have him and Liz be able to get some things done that they needed to get done. I feel for them. He's been busy with everything else in the home while Liz was having a baby, and now he has to get ready to leave.
I hope that they don't feel too stressed out. I feel better, just don't like now knowing what's coming. However, at the end, Feb. 24th, I know that good things are in store. I just need to make it that far. And, with the help I've been praying for, I know it's possible.
So, I leave you with this. Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, etc. I hope everyone was safe. I'm going to go spend some quality time with my wife and child (dog) and will talk to you all more later.
The cool thing was, my uncle-in-law was able to swear me in. It was awesome seeing the reaction from the guys in the building when a general walked in. They suddenly became happy, did everything efficiently, and were eager to do what they could. I was impressed that someone could receive so much respect without having to do anything. Interesting....
However, it was great to have family there. I got to spend some final times with my grandparents, mother, in-laws, and aunt and uncle. I saw final, but I just mean last time for a long time. Not really the final.
I got to see Chris' new baby, and watch his other kids for a while. It was nice to have him and Liz be able to get some things done that they needed to get done. I feel for them. He's been busy with everything else in the home while Liz was having a baby, and now he has to get ready to leave.
I hope that they don't feel too stressed out. I feel better, just don't like now knowing what's coming. However, at the end, Feb. 24th, I know that good things are in store. I just need to make it that far. And, with the help I've been praying for, I know it's possible.
So, I leave you with this. Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, etc. I hope everyone was safe. I'm going to go spend some quality time with my wife and child (dog) and will talk to you all more later.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday
Today was interesting. Kate got a call this morning for a job from 11:15-3. Those are interesting and unusual times, so it made some things difficult. Since we're down to one car, I had to take her and pick her up. However, my old job was having a lunch for me, so I needed to be there. It all ended up working out, and I got more stuff checked off my list.
Kate went to work, I got my lunch. Then, I cleaned out my office, and took the stuff to my garage. Then, Cooper and I went to the post office and mailed kate and my ballots, as well as a birthday card for my brother, finally. Sorry it took so long. Then, I went and signed forms at my insurance agent's office, which was interesting because it was my first time going to the new agent's office.
I picked Kate up, we went home, changed, and cleaned out the back seat. Then, we drove to church, because tonight was Vala's night for the youth group. There ended up being 23 kids that went. That was tough, because I had only had 12 sign up previously, and set up enough rides for 14. So, I found two other drivers, and we went. God is awesome. That is the most kids that have gone to an event for youth group ever!
We had fun, and I hope that the kids will continue to bond in the future. It was amazing, tonight, to see the kids together, compared to three years ago. I never would've thought this could happen. I'm so amazed at how God has worked in our church to bring these kids from different backgrounds together! Yay God!
God blesses us is so many different ways that we never expect. It's so amazing. I can never show enough gratitude for the people that He's put in my life, and the things that He's done through them and/or inspired them to do for me. I only hope that I can show His love through everything that I do, more and more every day. I will strive to do that. I also pray that He will show me how to act, and give me the virtues needed to succeed in the next few months. Only through Him, and by His grace will that happen.
Well, it's off to bed...Got more stuff to clean, organize and get ready tomorrow, and then I EAD on Friday, so yeah. We'll see how it goes. Take care and God bless.
Kate went to work, I got my lunch. Then, I cleaned out my office, and took the stuff to my garage. Then, Cooper and I went to the post office and mailed kate and my ballots, as well as a birthday card for my brother, finally. Sorry it took so long. Then, I went and signed forms at my insurance agent's office, which was interesting because it was my first time going to the new agent's office.
I picked Kate up, we went home, changed, and cleaned out the back seat. Then, we drove to church, because tonight was Vala's night for the youth group. There ended up being 23 kids that went. That was tough, because I had only had 12 sign up previously, and set up enough rides for 14. So, I found two other drivers, and we went. God is awesome. That is the most kids that have gone to an event for youth group ever!
We had fun, and I hope that the kids will continue to bond in the future. It was amazing, tonight, to see the kids together, compared to three years ago. I never would've thought this could happen. I'm so amazed at how God has worked in our church to bring these kids from different backgrounds together! Yay God!
God blesses us is so many different ways that we never expect. It's so amazing. I can never show enough gratitude for the people that He's put in my life, and the things that He's done through them and/or inspired them to do for me. I only hope that I can show His love through everything that I do, more and more every day. I will strive to do that. I also pray that He will show me how to act, and give me the virtues needed to succeed in the next few months. Only through Him, and by His grace will that happen.
Well, it's off to bed...Got more stuff to clean, organize and get ready tomorrow, and then I EAD on Friday, so yeah. We'll see how it goes. Take care and God bless.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
3 to go
Today was a busy day. I got a lot of running around, purchased most of the rest of the things that I need for Alabama. Unfortunately, that took more money away from the car, but I need to remember to trust God, and then I will be okay.
I got the programs installed at church, transferred the website to that computer, updated it, and got the things ready for the next guy. I visited my grandparents, got another pair of shoes for training, took a load to the garage, sorted summer and winter clothes, got a wedding present, used some gift certificates, and sorted some more photos.
Tomorrow looks to be much of the same, finishing off with a night at Vala's with the youth group. Regardless of the day, that should be lots of fun. I will also clean out my office at work (my old work), and they are buying me lunch, so that's always a plus! All that should be left after that is cleaning out my stuff at church, organizing a room or two, and cleaning more of the apt. Then, I should be ready to go.
I've started setting out the things I need to take with me so I can visualize what is there and what is still needed. Since I'm not really sure about what all to take or not take, it's a whirlwind. Luckily, we're taking a car, so we can take whatever we want, and leave the unsed items in the car.
I need to go to bed now, because I still don't feel good. This week's posts will probably be short, but everything's got to be done, so I'm doing it. Until later...
I got the programs installed at church, transferred the website to that computer, updated it, and got the things ready for the next guy. I visited my grandparents, got another pair of shoes for training, took a load to the garage, sorted summer and winter clothes, got a wedding present, used some gift certificates, and sorted some more photos.
Tomorrow looks to be much of the same, finishing off with a night at Vala's with the youth group. Regardless of the day, that should be lots of fun. I will also clean out my office at work (my old work), and they are buying me lunch, so that's always a plus! All that should be left after that is cleaning out my stuff at church, organizing a room or two, and cleaning more of the apt. Then, I should be ready to go.
I've started setting out the things I need to take with me so I can visualize what is there and what is still needed. Since I'm not really sure about what all to take or not take, it's a whirlwind. Luckily, we're taking a car, so we can take whatever we want, and leave the unsed items in the car.
I need to go to bed now, because I still don't feel good. This week's posts will probably be short, but everything's got to be done, so I'm doing it. Until later...
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