Isaiah 53:5 "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."
It is such an amazing act of love on His part, for all of us. Today is all about Him and it was a beautiful day in The Lord, indeed.
Our neighbors received the message with no disruptions today. All went smoothly and again GOD showed all of us His faithfulness.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Gathering together (Friday)
To those that follow on a regular basis, I apologize for my posting delay... but it has been due to a wonderful cause. The past 2 Fridays have rolled into the following day or two. What I mean is... I have not had time to sit down and blog right away, because I've been hanging out with one of our friends from PB more, even after we leave from the beach. I'll share more about that later.
It felt really good to have Amanda back with us! It was obvious that the crowd missed her... and her cooking. We started the night off with communion for what I had planned to be for our LTN Team, but 2 people from the crowd wanted to join us. I made sure they understood that taking communion was not meant to be done as a 'religious act' but a very real meaningful purpose for our Lord Jesus Christ... they understood and partook with us. It was sweet. I think we had a total of 21 people breaking bread this night. Last year it was on my heart to do this annually, to celebrate another year that the Lord has provided and been faithful to the Ministry.
The vision long ago became a reality this evening. With so many of our Believing friends coming down to not only be available to help serve but to allow themselves to be used to share their faith with others... I glanced down the crowded row of people and noticed my brothers & sisters all spread out, showing His love in gentle conversations, with love & humility.
It felt really good to have Amanda back with us! It was obvious that the crowd missed her... and her cooking. We started the night off with communion for what I had planned to be for our LTN Team, but 2 people from the crowd wanted to join us. I made sure they understood that taking communion was not meant to be done as a 'religious act' but a very real meaningful purpose for our Lord Jesus Christ... they understood and partook with us. It was sweet. I think we had a total of 21 people breaking bread this night. Last year it was on my heart to do this annually, to celebrate another year that the Lord has provided and been faithful to the Ministry.
The vision long ago became a reality this evening. With so many of our Believing friends coming down to not only be available to help serve but to allow themselves to be used to share their faith with others... I glanced down the crowded row of people and noticed my brothers & sisters all spread out, showing His love in gentle conversations, with love & humility.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Sunshine
We all know they saying: When it rains, it pours... but that was not the way GOD had planned it for us tonight. Truth be told, I was a bit worried all day about the rain coming down on us in PB, so I prepared and grabbed the canopies 'in case of emergency'. Making my way down the hill on Balboa Ave, I noticed a giant, dark grey cloud, full of moisture and I could tell it was soaking whatever was beneath its path. As I pulled into the available parking spot, the rain started to drop on me, and my stomach knotted... but the rain drops quickly lightened up and there was beautiful bursts of sunshine radiating our area. It was truly a magnificent sight! It was raining everywhere else except for our area. I felt warm inside almost as if GOD was saying "Here's your break son, now share with them MY love." Of course everyone knows that where there's water, there's a rainbow present. It was a very bright rainbow too! It's presence gave an opportunity to share the significance and what the rainbow means. Many were surprised to learn that the rainbow represented a promise from GOD to never flood the Earth as in the days of Noah. (Genesis 9:13) Although we were missing some of our team tonight, GOD gave an opportunity for others to help out and get involved. It's so sweet to see how things fall in place when GOD is the focus. My wife is still out of town, so other friends stepped into her position at the tables with the pasta. We experienced another blessing from our church kitchen for the week, otherwise nobody would've been eating tonight. (I don't know how to cook) It was peaceful and we had good fellowship between us Believers who stuck around for awhile.
Friday, April 1, 2011
He is in control
Wow! What an eventful day it's been... My wife (who I have an all new respect & appreciation for) is out of town for 2 weeks. As most readers know, she is the cook in this family. (I'm horrible and won't bother wasting any more food "trying".) I had a full day of taking care of things that I don't normally do, just to make sure things were in order for tonight. Our church was generous enough to donate to the Ministry while Amanda is away... both financially and through cooking in the kitchen. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for the help of two very hard working people this afternoon, we would have been pasta-less. It all worked out though... silly of me to even for a split second forget who is in control of all this. Him! GOD provided exactly what was needed. It felt abnormal for me to be back behind the tables attempting to serve and stay with the flow of plates traveling down the makeline. I ended up being relieved of those duties shortly after. The night for our gathering was peaceful. Although 15' behind us, on the boardwalk, there was 3 SDPD cars dealing with somebody, but we paid no attention to that as it did not involve us in any way, shape, or form. GOD has really given us a great team of faithful volunteers to share His love with the men & women in Pacific Beach. I like to 'people watch' alot. You notice things that would normally be over-looked and you see things differently from regular people. Tonight I realized another form of how creative GOD is. Our team has youth & elder, and everything in between, all serving on a weekly basis. Jeremy was able to come out from the SDRM and spend a good amount of time pouring into some of his old friends. To see the transformation that GOD has done in his life alone, would almost convince any of them to know that GOD is real. There are 2 guys that are semi-interested in finding out more what goes on at the SDRM and how GOD works through that organization. Please pray for Sid & Robin. Everyone was able to enjoy a healthy amount of filling food. No drama. No negative vibes either. In fact.... most people showed their appreciation by commenting how they missed Amanda being there with us. As we creep into the month of April, it marks another milestone for LTN Ministry. We will be celebrating our 2yr mark near the end of this month! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and provisions. If it wasn't for Him... none of this would have been possible. GOD is in control. He has always been in control and always will be in control, so I look forward to seeing what GOD has in store for next week.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Perspective (Friday)
I was saddened to see Ron standing by the curb to help us unload our vehicle last night. He could not deal with the structure of the SDRM. At least I know that I made an attempt to help him, but clearly he doesn't want that type of help. I'll keep praying for him.
Another shocker was seeing Stephen on the boardwalk. He also decided to ditch the SDRM after 6 months! It's so heartbreaking to see somebody do so well for so long, and then give it up when they are so close to getting back into a normal productive life. I have no choice but to continue to pray for him as well... but it breaks my heart to see how the devil's lies of temptation get the best of the people I've grown to know.
The spirit of GOD was with us! His peace & protection was felt. I literally saw darkness flee from the Light for the first time in my life. As I shared what GOD had put on my heart to the crowd, the encouraging responses were amazing. This time it wasn't just a handful of people paying attention... it was only a few in the group of nearly 100 that were not. It was almost like preaching at church! I heard "Amen!" shouts from the crowd a few times and GOD wanted me to share my view with them. Whether they sleep under a roof or have a warm bed to sleep in, they are our neighbors and we are there to love them in the name of Jesus Christ! I don't do it every week, but I felt as though I was supposed to last night... so I brought a backpack full of Bibles. I was able to pass out 7 new Bibles to people who desperately wanted to read what GOD has to say. (Sometimes all it takes for a person to get saved, is right there in black & white!)
Once I was able to walk among the group and speak with individuals, I realized there was a deep anger floating around, probably just inches away from 'rage'. Those who were angry could not explain to me why they were feeling this way. It felt really weird & uncomfortable. When I'd asked each person if I could pray for them, they almost immediately said they had to go. One of the guys wanted a ride to his 'camp'. I was reluctant to have a team member give him a ride, in fear of their own safety, but Joey offered to take care of it. Needless to say I was relieved to get a call and debrief with Joey an hour later.
Over all it was a sweet night. Things seem to be improving in that area. The fruit is starting to show after some long seasons, but it is so worth it. The LTN team is amazing. GOD has really blessed us with people that love to serve Him and can work well with other Christians.
After the food was gone and the truck was packed, I realized I hadn't had much availability to hang out with one of my buddies, Sid. I invited him over to our home to play some video games.
It was nice to have that fellowship and just hang out without being on the go-go-go and in work mode. I learned that he's growing in his walk, been attending a church regularly on Sunday nights. That is an answered prayer! He's made the decision to get plugged in and his desire to get more and grow. He mentioned that he'd heard good things about Horizon from those that have come with me and wants to start coming with me.
Looking back to last night. I am soooooooooooooo encouraged at what GOD has done to me. He's completely changed who I am and is using me to bring hope to the hopeless. I love you LORD!
Another shocker was seeing Stephen on the boardwalk. He also decided to ditch the SDRM after 6 months! It's so heartbreaking to see somebody do so well for so long, and then give it up when they are so close to getting back into a normal productive life. I have no choice but to continue to pray for him as well... but it breaks my heart to see how the devil's lies of temptation get the best of the people I've grown to know.
The spirit of GOD was with us! His peace & protection was felt. I literally saw darkness flee from the Light for the first time in my life. As I shared what GOD had put on my heart to the crowd, the encouraging responses were amazing. This time it wasn't just a handful of people paying attention... it was only a few in the group of nearly 100 that were not. It was almost like preaching at church! I heard "Amen!" shouts from the crowd a few times and GOD wanted me to share my view with them. Whether they sleep under a roof or have a warm bed to sleep in, they are our neighbors and we are there to love them in the name of Jesus Christ! I don't do it every week, but I felt as though I was supposed to last night... so I brought a backpack full of Bibles. I was able to pass out 7 new Bibles to people who desperately wanted to read what GOD has to say. (Sometimes all it takes for a person to get saved, is right there in black & white!)
Once I was able to walk among the group and speak with individuals, I realized there was a deep anger floating around, probably just inches away from 'rage'. Those who were angry could not explain to me why they were feeling this way. It felt really weird & uncomfortable. When I'd asked each person if I could pray for them, they almost immediately said they had to go. One of the guys wanted a ride to his 'camp'. I was reluctant to have a team member give him a ride, in fear of their own safety, but Joey offered to take care of it. Needless to say I was relieved to get a call and debrief with Joey an hour later.
Over all it was a sweet night. Things seem to be improving in that area. The fruit is starting to show after some long seasons, but it is so worth it. The LTN team is amazing. GOD has really blessed us with people that love to serve Him and can work well with other Christians.
After the food was gone and the truck was packed, I realized I hadn't had much availability to hang out with one of my buddies, Sid. I invited him over to our home to play some video games.
It was nice to have that fellowship and just hang out without being on the go-go-go and in work mode. I learned that he's growing in his walk, been attending a church regularly on Sunday nights. That is an answered prayer! He's made the decision to get plugged in and his desire to get more and grow. He mentioned that he'd heard good things about Horizon from those that have come with me and wants to start coming with me.
Looking back to last night. I am soooooooooooooo encouraged at what GOD has done to me. He's completely changed who I am and is using me to bring hope to the hopeless. I love you LORD!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Blessed be His name...
The vibes in the air tonight were different. Yes it was peaceful, but there was something else too that I can't pinpoint exactly. Above all else, I know that He was there and that's all that really matters anyways.
The Ministry has been almost overloaded with the amount of clothing being donated these days. As the tables were being set up with the neatly folded stacks of items, you could see the eagerness in the eyes of those who waited to see what they might obtain. I know anyone reading this blog can testify that it feels good to have something new to wear. It's a huge blessing for me to be a part of something that will glorify God and make somebody else happy... even if the happiness only lasts temporarily.
We had extra volunteers join our team this evening. The word about our Ministry has started to trickle to the congregation at our home church. It's very encouraging to see the hearts of so many, who want to get off the pews and outside of the 4 walls and actually put His love into action. I thank God for His provisions and for His faithfulness.
Although, we witnessed the typical drunkenness and unhealthy lifestyles that some live, we also were given the opportunity to see fruits from the Ministry. More people have shown interest in getting off the streets, with plans made to enter into the SDRM on Monday morning. Another amazing incident is about a man named "Tunaboat Jim", a retired Veteran who will be having surgery in a few days. I'll share that in the next few weeks.
God was glorified tonight and His word went out with the promise that it does not return void.
The Ministry has been almost overloaded with the amount of clothing being donated these days. As the tables were being set up with the neatly folded stacks of items, you could see the eagerness in the eyes of those who waited to see what they might obtain. I know anyone reading this blog can testify that it feels good to have something new to wear. It's a huge blessing for me to be a part of something that will glorify God and make somebody else happy... even if the happiness only lasts temporarily.
We had extra volunteers join our team this evening. The word about our Ministry has started to trickle to the congregation at our home church. It's very encouraging to see the hearts of so many, who want to get off the pews and outside of the 4 walls and actually put His love into action. I thank God for His provisions and for His faithfulness.
Although, we witnessed the typical drunkenness and unhealthy lifestyles that some live, we also were given the opportunity to see fruits from the Ministry. More people have shown interest in getting off the streets, with plans made to enter into the SDRM on Monday morning. Another amazing incident is about a man named "Tunaboat Jim", a retired Veteran who will be having surgery in a few days. I'll share that in the next few weeks.
God was glorified tonight and His word went out with the promise that it does not return void.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"Who So Ever"...
Our night was great, very peaceful and with out incident. We had plenty of food, clothes and hygiene supplies. We truly have been blessed by all of the support and all the resources that we can use to bless the needy. A few students from the school of evangelism came down to help out which is always a blessing.
As I was thinking about what to write a few things came to mind. One was regarding the message at our church on Sunday and the other was about a conversation I had with one of my roommates.
I was reminded on Sunday that whosoever believes will be saved and I really considered what was being said. Whosoever... Color; race; social or economic status; gender; weight; height, anyone. I know as a christian I have heard this many times but this week it took on a different importance to me and it gave me hope. This great gift that some of us have already discovered is available for anyone who chooses it. I am motivated, more so today, to tell people about HIM, that whosoever believes will be saved!
Sometimes it's easy to get into a routine (in life, in ministry, with relationships) and lose sight of the importance of things/people/time. I thought about the people we minister to and how important it is for us to seize these moments and opportunities to truly show them Jesus. It's so easy to take advantage of time, to think there will be another day, another chance, more opportunities. But in all reality, for some of the men and women we minister they don't have more time. They are sick and weak and broken hearted. They are wounded and ripped apart by this world and the lies of the devil. For some, they are physically close to death or so emotionally ravaged that suicide seems like the only escape. If we really stop and consider that some of these people may not have a tomorrow how can we (I) sit back and say/do nothing. As my roommate said, we have to be intentional! We need to redeem the time and opportunities we have been given and not be sidetracked by this world. Our one goal and purpose should be to tell people about Jesus and his saving grace and love for us. I know in my own life I am so easily distracted from what truly matters. I want to be more "intentional" with my time; my actions; my thoughts; my love; my prayers.
My hope and prayer is that we will be an intentional people, filled with the Holy spirit, ready and willing to serve, love and tell people about our savior.
God Bless!
As I was thinking about what to write a few things came to mind. One was regarding the message at our church on Sunday and the other was about a conversation I had with one of my roommates.
I was reminded on Sunday that whosoever believes will be saved and I really considered what was being said. Whosoever... Color; race; social or economic status; gender; weight; height, anyone. I know as a christian I have heard this many times but this week it took on a different importance to me and it gave me hope. This great gift that some of us have already discovered is available for anyone who chooses it. I am motivated, more so today, to tell people about HIM, that whosoever believes will be saved!
Sometimes it's easy to get into a routine (in life, in ministry, with relationships) and lose sight of the importance of things/people/time. I thought about the people we minister to and how important it is for us to seize these moments and opportunities to truly show them Jesus. It's so easy to take advantage of time, to think there will be another day, another chance, more opportunities. But in all reality, for some of the men and women we minister they don't have more time. They are sick and weak and broken hearted. They are wounded and ripped apart by this world and the lies of the devil. For some, they are physically close to death or so emotionally ravaged that suicide seems like the only escape. If we really stop and consider that some of these people may not have a tomorrow how can we (I) sit back and say/do nothing. As my roommate said, we have to be intentional! We need to redeem the time and opportunities we have been given and not be sidetracked by this world. Our one goal and purpose should be to tell people about Jesus and his saving grace and love for us. I know in my own life I am so easily distracted from what truly matters. I want to be more "intentional" with my time; my actions; my thoughts; my love; my prayers.
My hope and prayer is that we will be an intentional people, filled with the Holy spirit, ready and willing to serve, love and tell people about our savior.
God Bless!
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