Do or Do Not.

1. Iron sharpens iron. We need to have accountability and prayer with other believers.
2. Practice makes perfect. Start writing. Just grab a favorite pen, some paper, and about 10 minutes of your day. Writing your thoughts, or just writing your prayers can significantly improve your communications with God. If you feel like He isn't getting the message, write it down.
3. Read God's Word.
4. Worship. It doesn't have to be singing. Like in Romans 12, offer your body as a living sacrifice, it is your spiritual act of worship.
5. Be weird. I was reading another bloggers post about how God, Christianity, the Church- we're all weird. If you have the light shining through you people will feel uncomfortable... even those who might claim to be Christians.
6. Love God with all of who you are. Body, mind, soul, spirit, strengths, weaknesses, your words, Everything!
7. Love Everyone. Before you judge remember this: Without Christ you could be with them, or possibly worse.
8. If you don't mean it, don't say it. Simple, if you are uncomfortable saying it, don't say it (if it's not of the Spirit).
9. It's not all about you.
10. Didn't want to finish on 9.

Simple.

Blake J.

Who's It Really All About?

Ever wonder where God was before you came along? I mean besides what is read in the bible or what you've read in history books about these things called "revivals" what has God been doing?

I was kinda thinking about this; after all we've been through the past hundred or so years it's easy to question if God was really keeping His hand over America (or other countries for that matter), or was He just allowing the country to go with the flow while preparing our lives so that a new nation could be birthed?

This may seem like an absurd statement, but think about it. Most of the time we're experiencing God in our lives, or questioning God's presence in our lives, or even wondering where God is in our lives. But what about everyone else?

Are we really that special?

Sure the world seems to be getting worse, but look at all the good that has come in the recent years:

• More people are getting to hear the gospel each day thanks to mission opportunities that are provided to anyone who has gotten the calling (of course, what could stop someone from going on a mission once God has called them?).
• Although Christianity isn't the fastest growing, or most desired religion, you cant help but notice all the youth that are being led out each day to proclaim the gospel.
• Regardless of: the wars, the racism, the highs, the depression, the hate, the failures, the breaks, the holocaust, the pessimism, you can't help but notice: The love, the life, the hope, the acceptance, the rebuilding, the revival, the defining moments, the change, the liberation, the retaliation, the forgiveness, the blood, or the Promise.

So let me ask you this; Who is it all about? Is it cliche' to say, "It's not all about you?" If so I wont say it, I hate being cliche' unless for comical purposes. In all reality I believe no one really believes that everything revolves around them... maybe a good bit of everything, but not Everything.

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

That should be our thought for today, (if not everyday... actually yeah, make that your thought everyday).

Now, I am not saying we're all losers. We are children of the living God! The same God that gives us strength to take on the harsh reality that is everyday life. The same God that gives us the ability to take on the wolf that comes to blow down our house everyday (steal, kill, and destroy). The same God who gives us the words to say that bring life to others who have yet to hear God's voice in their lives. The same God whose sovereignty we question when things get tough. There are millions out there who have yet to hear the word, we may not be old, but we are definitely not too young!

We will get through it. I mean it's just college, and from what I've seen in the hearts of others out here, I know that God is in control and has a grand plan for everyone in all walks of life.

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."

James 5:13

Blake J.

Today's text was received from the NIV Bible.

(by the way: I love my new best friend Courtney <(") )

Clock's Tickin-

It's been a while since my last post, and I actually changed what I was writing halfway through this one. So expect a new one within the next week!

Every year this world is getting worse, every year we are closer to the end of times. How often do you hear people say things like, "These are just birthing pangs," or "Yep, Jesus will be coming for me pretty soon?" If you live in Christian home, or spend time in church you'll probably hear something like that pretty often.

Think about it. We've seen a lot of bad this past decade, and it only seems to get worse. So it's not surprising that we might jump the gun assuming judgment day will be coming today, or tomorrow, or even next Thursday during your test. But the Bible says we won't know the time, the day, the week, the month, the year, or even the generation of which Jesus will return. I mean just look over the past century. We've had two world wars, a depression, and God knows how many changes in leadership in this country-And that's just THIS COUNTRY! If you throw in the rest of the worlds problems you will start to question why we do still inhabit the earth.

So there has been quite a lot of trouble in the world, and we still haven't seen the end of days. Meaning that it is possible for the world to continue getting worse.

Now this could be taken from a couple of different perspectives- 1) We have a good bit of time to try and better mankind by spreading Christ's message. 2) We have plenty of time to destroy ourselves knowing that eventually we will turn to Christ before Judgment Day. 3) We don't have a lot of time, and we need to go mission crazy trying to reach every soul possible. And finally 4) There aint much time left so let's go down in style, let's party till we die!

or even the ever popular viewpoint 5) eh, who cares? (seriously).

So which viewpoint are you? Do you try to teach the world about the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Or do you try to make the most of life for yourself.

Whoa.

So I've been totally inspired to write today.

It's not that I don't want to write sometimes, its just that most of the time I have too many ideas to choose from and end up not writing at all.

But today is different because I had help on deciding.

In church today my pastor was going over Ephesians 5:18 (do not be drunk, be filled with the spirit verse).

And throughout the sermon he talked about being.. well filled with the spirit. But not in a way we would imagine. The way he interpreted it was that we are not to be drunk with wine (duh) but we do need to be so hopped up on God and His presence in us that people think we're drunk.

And eventually he got to this point in the sermon:

"The normal Christian life is not us living for Christ, but Christ living through us."

That statement blew my mind. It was one of those DUH moments where you think you know it all but then suddenly you find yourself wrong. AND the answer was right under your nose the whole time.

And so my mind just started pumping out ideas, and theories about what it was that made this click so much. But I knew. The spirit was working through me to help me understand such a simple concept (that we find so difficult to grasp unfortunately).

I understood:

We go our whole Christian life trying to live for Jesus. And every time things are bad we go and recommit saying we're going to live for Jesus again. And every time things are bad we go and recommit saying we're going to live for Jesus again (this goes on for a while).

But thats the problem, we think that we live FOR Christ. But we can't! We are trying so hard to be like Jesus by living for Him, and we fail. We can't live like Christ, only He can do that. And only by Him living through us can we accomplish this!

Does that not blow your mind?!

And if this wasn't enough, my pastor then went on to talk about control in our lives for a bit. What I found was funny was how he pointed out God's view on our lives.

"God Im giving you control"

God-"Uh I've had control this whole time, but thanks anyways."

This also made me think, how Little do we MAKE God to ourselves? Think about it. He created everything. He wrote out your life before it began. He is everywhere at once. He is as big or as small as you need Him to be. If you ask YOU SHALL RECEIVE. Santa can't even do that but once a year, and even then he's not that reliable (Im still waiting on a few things to arrive).

The fact is most Christians do not give God the amount of credit he deserves (basically all of it).

So for just a few minutes, whether it be during a quite time or just sitting around, try to imagine God as big as you possibly can. Then increase His size. You'll still come up short. Trying to comprehend God's size and presence can almost certainly make you bow in awe of Him. Just take 5 minutes and try to understand this perfect being whom created you and I and everyone else, and took the time to write out our lives, and still took the time to be with us EVERYWHERE and ALWAYS by living through us!

It's too much to handle in our finite minds. And the more we realize things like this the more easily we can accept the fact that God is in control and that we don't live for Christ, but He lives through us to make us everything we were created to be.

So enjoy your week,

Blake J.

My View From The Bottom

I tend to stretch the limits...

What limits?

All limits.

The view from down here is very depressing. My days are pretty uneventful: I sleep in, work-out, play X-Box, and do some things that are rather questionable.

And yet in all my need for something more, I still question why I need God.... I hear it all the time from my pastor that in a place like Houston, Texas it's hard to Need God. And I believe that to be true because I've experienced it first hand.

I mean, why do I need God? Sure I am saved and I know 100% Im going to heaven, but where is my need?

Im so content with life I scare myself. I sleep in: Something I've never really consistently done my whole life. I work-out: Im in good shape and am confident about how I look. I play X-Box: Im a geek and I love to play video games (unless something better is provided). And then comes the one thing that makes my dream world a nightmare.

Pornography.

---You never really hear people use the term pornography unless they are speaking of it in a down tone. It's one of those terms that only old people would use (no offense old people (by the way, old in my opinion is over the age of 50)). ---

Anyways... Yeah, I struggle with porn. If you're are shocked by this then I really feel bad for you.

Im not the type of person who gets really mad at people because if someone offends me I always think of how that could be me.... And now, it is me. So please before reading any further remove your veil, and realize that what I deal with is normal, and unfortunately for US... normal is bad.

The church today... Teenagers don't communicate their problems enough, whether it be with other teens in the youth, or with our youth pastors, parents, friends, etc.

That is our CRUTCH... As teens we hold onto our darkest sins and secrets because we have pride... Sure we might have our major breakdowns at a summer retreat, or even on Wednesday night.. But how many times after breaking down before God at camp have you later gotten a call from a friend to check on you and make sure everything is still going great???

Oh yeah I've gotten calls from people, but usually its after I've fallen through the black and they notice Im acting different!

I've mentioned this a lot in my past posts, and I'll say it again (maybe with different wording though) we need to have accountability (ok I lied about the different wording)!!!

The way I see it is this... We have our major breakdown, and we go home from camp or youth service, etc. And then within a week or two (maybe three or more for some) we start to slowly spiral down... And once we're back to "normal" (the "n" word) we wonder what happened.. Maybe it was a spiritual attack? Or maybe it was a problem with our fellowship as teen Christians!

The way I see it, Satan doesn't really worry about most teens after they've been renewed (again)... Because for most of us he knows we will slowly sink back into our "n word" lives. He really doesn't even have to look in our general direction, because he is not everywhere at once so he leaves the whole "don't communicate about your spiritual lives" thing on cruise control! That way he can be in other places doing other stuff (its all a conspiracy man!).

And so young men like myself and millions of other CHRISTIANS battle through our daily struggles with porn, drugs, self abuse, and anything else that brings us further away from the Father.

So guys, know that you're not alone. Porn is a completely normal thing in our society, and trying to hide it can be detrimental to just about all aspects of life (especially the longer it has a hold on you).

Girls, Im sorry I don't understand yall too well. But what I do know is that all of yall need to keep each other accountable with the way you act and dress around your Christian brothers.

So here I am, at what seems to be the bottom of a very deep pit. The holy spirit is very far and His voice I can't hear. But who knows, maybe I'll just keep pushing myself down this hole and try to find it's limit (I hate the word limit, it reminds me of Pre-Cal).

When I started this blog I was, in Relient K's words "On the Up and Up" and for a while it was this blog that kept me accountable. But then I slipped... And didn't blog for a while, and then I was good again... and slipped again... And so here I am using this blog for accountability, but in a different way...

I ask that if you're reading this you would pray, not just for me, but for all the men (and even boys) out there who struggle with things like pornography. And also to pray for all teen and adult Christians, that this fog be lifted and we see clearly that the enemy is holding us back not just through temptation, but by SEPARATION as well.

I think it's time we started sharing our thoughts and feelings with each other, because if we stay bottled up we will destroy ourselves.

And if you thought I jumped topics too much in this post, well Im sorry... But I'll revisit something I mentioned in the beginning.....

WE NEED GOD, I NEED GOD. And although we may not always feel a need for God in our lives I can assure you we do. Because I sit here now on the other side of that argument, and my stone cold heart still knows that My Savior has renewed my filthy soul and that I will never be able to run away from that. I am a child of God, I am loved. And although in times like these I question that, my heart knows the truth.

God's thoughts for ME outnumber the sands of this earth, and my thoughts for him recently wont cover the dirt between my toes (metaphorically speaking, my toes are clean), but I know everything is going to be great.

So if everyone would please leave a prayer request in the comment box that would be awesome, and the person who comments after that would pray for you and so and so forth....

Ex: Comment #1 <---

|

|

Comment #2 (pray for that person)

And guys (girls too if you want) check out the site www.xxxchurch.com its a Christian site geared towards helping the world get rid of pornography. It's a great website and the bimonthly email is really great.

So now everyone pick up their phones and call up someone to check on their spiritual walk. I love all of ya and hope yall continue to read my blog posts.

Blake J.

Becoming The Difference

Who Are we?

Matthew 9:37-38

37) Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38) Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field."

Our goal as Christians is to win souls for the Kingdom. But when we appear to be the same as everyone else, what are we selling? A waste of time? 

It is very hard to be a Christian in America! We have all that we need. How can we teach our friends about a God who forgives and gives us all we need, when we already have it? 

A big difference between us and them is this... We still make mistakes, but we realize the need for Jesus in our lives. But we cannot appear as hypocrites, it is one thing to say you're saved it is another to act it. We know that we're messed up, we know that the only thing that separates us is that we have Christ in us.

We used to be these disgusting, raunchy, lying, backstabbing, gossiping, lustful, greedy, and malicious creatures! But the old has passed away because of our life found in Christ, we have been satisfied! 

But do we still struggle? Of course we do, but because of Jesus' sacrifice we can repent and grow stronger through our failures.

THE PROBLEM: We still try to be apart of this world! We have quenched our thirsts for the things of this world, but we still go back to our old sins like a dog returns to its vomit. And if we go around with the Christian image, but don't show a difference in our lives we have labeled Christianity as a facade.

We try so hard to be like Jesus, but we also want to be accepted by our friends. Jesus said that we would be hated for being different, so we can't act too surprised when we rub people the wrong way with our belief in God and His word.

 Like in John 17,

14) I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

Jesus goes on in this prayer to ask for our protection, because he knows that the evil one will want to hinder us. 

Satan wants us to feel comfortable. Do you really think an attack from the evil one would consist of him jumping you in a dark alley with a cape and pitchfork? No, if he scared you, you would most likely want to run straight to God, and he does not want that. Satan wants you to be nice and comfortable, so you have no need for God in your life.

And so millions of Christians fall to the pressure. We want to accepted by our friends, so we do whatever they might do even if it contradicts our faith and morals. We try to impress that guy or girl at the party and end up doing something we might regret, and that would destroy our witnessing opportunities with those that look up to us. We try to be like the other guys, looking at pornography and dismantling our view of women as equals, and desensitizing our minds. We try to be like other girls, who dress in barely any clothing, causing guys to get a wrong view of you, and causing your brothers in Christ to fall to lust and temptation. We try to be like those who drink, trying to escape your pains, and trying to satisfy a thirst that cannot be quenched by anything other than Christ. We lie to our parents so we can stay out later doing something we probably shouldn't be doing. We swear, curse and scream obscenities when we should be blessing, and encouraging others... 

In simpler terms.. We fail. And others watching us fail think, "Why do I need their Jesus, they're no different than me?"  

We will fall, but when we fall we need to be humble, and we need to repent right away. Because if our witness is blown then we have lost everything, and that person may lose all respect for Christians, assuming we are all the same.

Ephesians 2:1-10

   ¹ And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. ⁴But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— ⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

We enter into this world spiritually dead........ BUT  NOW  WE  ARE  ALIVE  IN CHRIST, AND  NOTHING  CAN SEPARATE  US  FROM  HIS  LOVE  AND GRACE!

Im hoping this post helped you somehow, and I hope you can share it with others. Thanks for reading!

Blake J.

Things To Read This Summer

Here are a few things you should read (verses, books etc.). 

Acts (whole book)- great way to learn how the church got started, and very entertaining.

1 Corinthians 13 and 14- My favorite chapter (13-Love), and 14 which refers to spiritual gifts.

This Present Darkness/Piercing The Darkness (Frank Peretti)- My favorite books of all time! Talks about the principalities of darkness and the battles we don't see (fictional).

Proverbs (one chapter a day)- Reading a chapter a day in this simple book helps a lot.

1 and 2 Samuel- If you have only heard the stories of David, its time you experienced them in a whole new way. Pay attention to how God hands his enemies to him, and how he hits the slippery slope in 2 Samuel (starting with being away from battle).

The Shack (William P. Young)- Oh boy, this is an amazing book. Totally changes your walk with Christ. Fictional story about a man spending a weekend with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (I really wish I could say more).

Dateable (Lookadoo, DiMarco)- Great book on having a relationship with God, and having it reflect into your dating life (basic description).

Every Young Man's Battle (Arterburn, Stoker)- Great book about guys... being guys, and learning how to overcome all the things teen guys go through. Girls should read if they think they understand guys (prepare to have your mind blown!).

Do You Want To Go To The Mountain (Thomas Young)- great book by my pastor, talks about Jesus' transfiguration atop the mountain with 3 of his disciples.

Wild At Heart (John Eldredge)- Grrrrreat book! Being able to understand man, and God's purpose for us. Goes great with Every Young Man's Battle (or Every Man's Battle, same authors). Eldredge uses great examples to show our similarities to God's character (he refers to Braveheart a few times!).

Genesis (whole book)- If for one second you thought you were messed up..... 

1 John 2- Good for guys to read

Ecc. 12- Also good for guys to read.

Epehesians (whole book, esp. ch. 6)- After about a year of hearing sermons from this book... I can tell you it is rather amazing. Put on the Whole Armor Of God!

Job (Whole Book)- This story puts FML to shame. He remains faithful to God through everything, rather than trying to make a funny story out of it (also, when God speaks... whoaaahhhhh super awesome to hear God talk smack!!!)

Romans (Whole book)- Get to know the Romans road.

Most of these books I have read, but I always re-read so don't think Im going to not be reading.... believe me I am stacked with books right now.

Blake J.

The End is Nigh

Okay... So it has been quite a while since I've had a legitimate post. Im sorry. But A LOT has been happening to me lately (poor excuse I know). Over the past month I have had a few ups and downs, preventing me from being able to write a sincere post. I have had a lot of great ideas on what to write, they just haven't met the screen yet. But now everything is great. I've taken all one exams that I needed (dang you pre cal!) and I graduate in a few days, no big deal...

BIG DEAL- It has been a really long ride these past four years and I have yet to feel sad for leaving... until yesterday. 

Yesterday was the graduation recognition (or some other name) service at our church. I remember watching my sister go through it two years ago, and now it was my turn. I didn't think I would be so emotional. But it was tough holding back tears after receiving such kind words from my pastor and then being given a gift (Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias) and being prayed for by the entire congregation. It was a big God moment for me. Realizing that I was so close to leaving home and all those I'd built relationships with the past few years.

It was just the jump I needed to get me off my arse (pardon le'french (haha sonic commercial humor)). Not to mention the great sermon on the Armor of God, which can be found on itunes podcast under "the sanctuary fellowship." 

And then today, the stiffest day of my life. I was like the walking dead, moving slowly, not talking to much.... stressed. I had one exam for this entire semester (PRE CAL!!!) and had hardly studied at all. But as I sat at my desk last night I thought back to the Old Testament prophets and how many times they opposed those who opposed God. Every time it seems they not only defeat the false prophets/gods but they did it with style (i.e. dousing an alter with water and calling fire down from heaven).

And so I went into my pre cal exam without studying much. And I passed. Praise the Lord I passed! 

Then.. As if my day hadn't just improved by one-thousand percent, I receive four graduation cards... with enough money (adding to all my other grad gifts) to pay for my new laptop (new aluminum macbook :D). Seriously, God has been good to me these past few weeks. Actually, this whole year has been great.

I felt as if I had just been in a huge funk... then I got out of it... and then back in.... and then out. But now its all good. Because I know that the God of the universe is holding me in His hands and will never let me go!

So what Im getting at is this: If you're on your last straw, keep pushing. If you feel as if you're all alone, you're not. School is almost done.. forever! We need to go out with a bang, and make sure we are rock solid before we leave for college.

Im going to be here to stay (so long as God allows) and I plan to write a lot more in the coming months, and years because

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14) The Lord is my strength and my song: he has my salvation." 

Psalms 118:13-14

Blake Johnson

What's To Come...

Be looking for a new post soon everyone, Sorry for the absence.

Couch Potato

We live a sheltered life here in America. To be able to wake up everyday without worry or concern that your religious beliefs will get you killed.

But thats the problem.. We act as if someone's got a gun to our head anytime we have an opportunity to share our beliefs with others.

There might not be an actual death threat, but the thought of being ridiculed and humiliated is enough to keep some of us silent.

So I encourage all of you to get up and do something about it. Don't let the enemy allow you to believe its okay to just sit around and be silent. If you disagree with someone's viewpoints on a topic, tell them why. If your best friends having a bad day, offer them love and encouragement the way Jesus would.

This may bring up some awkward situations with friends, but if they are your friends they'll respect your beliefs.

Remember that we are not here to be comfortable and find an easy way out

Matthew 16:25-26

25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but

 whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?

(ESV)

Like I said last week. We are not here for a long time. So don't bother trying to get cozy. We need to stand firm, and let others know where it is that we stand. 

So don't worry about life here on earth. Think of your life in heaven where your Father is because if we keep our eyes to heaven the luxuries of this world will seem worthless.

Blake J

Wake Up People!

Comatose: Skillet

I hate feeling like this 
I’m so tired of trying to fight this 
I’m asleep and all I dream of

Is waking to you 
Tell me that you will listen 
Your touch is what I’m missing 
And the more I hide I realize I’m slowly losing you 

Comatose 
I’ll never wake up without an overdose of you 

Chorus: 
I don’t wanna live 
I don’t wanna breathe 
‘les I feel you next to me 
you take the pain I feel 
waking up to you never felt so real 
I don’t wanna sleep 
I don’t wanna dream 
‘cause my dreams don’t comfort me 
The way you make me feel
Waking up to you never felt so real 

I hate living without you 
Dead wrong to ever doubt you 
But my demons lay in waiting 
Tempting me away 
Oh how I adore you 
Oh how I thirst for you 
Oh how I need you 

Bridge: Breathing life

Waking up My eyes 
Open up

Comatose: 

of or in a state of deep unconsciousness for a prolonged or indefinite period, esp. as a result of severe injury or illness.

Something I wouldn't wish on anyone, and yet we see it all the time... A sleeping believer, someone who has become silent. And has basically lost all contact with God. We don't want this to happen but it does. For those like me who hate failure it can be especially hard. You sin (big surprise) and find difficulty in repenting. This leads to a long downward slope that can bring about your downfall. Much like King David after his sin with Bathsheba, his life just went down the tubes. And it also affected the life of his children as well.

So not only does sin affect your relationship with God, not only does it affect you as a person. But it affects those around you and your relationships with them.

Why do we continue to lie in this vegetable state... when we know that waking up to a huge and loving God is like the best feeling in the existence of anything? The hardened heart is no match for God's love to penetrate, but we sit and do nothing about it. I am terrible at this.

"Insanity is doing the same thing, expecting different results." (something like that)

I heard that quote from my worship pastor who had heard it from a friend. And it makes a lot of sense. I would wake up everyday, ignoring the fact that I hadn't even prayed yet. Walk to the car, oblivious to the fact that I hadn't prayed for protection. Enter the school, unaware of the presence of darkness. Go throughout my day, without feeling God...

I didn't read my bible (which is something everyone should do(it makes a huge difference in your day/life when you know the word!!!)). I didn't tell others about my problems (put on a mask pretending everything was alright). And I didn't even bother to confront God.

We worry about such little things, and these little things lead to big problems. Today my pastor went through Matthew 6:25-34 (I want you to look it up). These few things mentioned by Jesus can lead us to become entangled in things we shouldn't worry about. The reason I say this is because it goes well with Comatose.

We sin, become hard hearted, and start worrying about little things. This all preoccupies us from seeking God and His Kingdom! This is one of the enemies strongest weapons. And this is why we must stand strong. Because once you get a a chink in the armor, the enemy will start planting these worries in your head. Then... BOOM, comatose.

So don't go down that slippery slope like David. Don't allow any chinks to appear in your armor. And don't worry. 

Do pray and read your word constantly (like more than once a day (esp. praying, even if its conversation its great. God doesn't just want to talk to you so He can answer your problems or accept your praise. Having an intimate relationship is also about just being WITH God)).

TAKS testing this week... Meaning I will be sleeping in. And also meaning no homework. So I will have more time to do some blogging.

Blake J.

What Needs to Be Done Pt. 2

I was sitting in my kitchen eating a quick dinner today. The t.v. was on and a commercial for a new show about a man battling cancer and trying to make money came on... 

After watching I thought "Hmm. I wonder what my life would be like if I only had a few months left to live..." I went on to assume that I would get straight lit up for Jesus. Because when you think of the amount of time you have to live it's easy to say you would be on fire... But even though I don't have cancer and I don't have any plans of dying soon I still thought about my life here.

The average lifespan is somewhere in the 70-80's area. If you think about it, that is not a lot of time. So what keeps us from trying to be Jesus to the world. Or even just being nice to people. It's easy to blow off the world on a bad day... But when you count the days you have left would you really want to waste one throwing a pity party? 

Just some food for thought.

Blake J.

Atta Boy!

Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

   

    ¹⁴ "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. ¹⁵To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. ¹⁷So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. ¹⁸But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' ²¹His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' ²²And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' ²³His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' ²⁴He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, ²⁵so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' ²⁶But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? ²⁷Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. ²⁹ For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ³⁰And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Have we multiplied what we've been given? Have we used our talents to bring forth multiple blessings to others, praises to God, or lives to Christ?

Well if you are like me in anyway, its probably easy to say "no" to those questions. I try... But I admit that I also slack off a bit. It's pretty easy to look at the task at hand and say, "Maybe some other time." Much like the servant with one talent we might say something like, "Why should I even try? These guys have so much more than me. Plus, if I fail I'll look ridiculous (or in the stories case, judged/killed (whatever a "hard man" would do))."

So know this, it does not matter how many talents you have. Or even what talents you have. Jesus gave you those talents, and they are to be used in a way that glorifies him. Because if we fail to use or even practice our talents (i.e. put in bank) we will have them taken away.

So try to be like those who doubled their talents and receive an "Atta boy/girl!"

Blake J.

Changes To The Plan

Happy Sunday Everybody!

I have had some people ask me when my next blog would be.... When I told them I do one every night they were a bit shocked....

And so I knew what needed to be done. I'd never meant to do a blog everyday, it just kinda happened. But if you'll notice, most blogs are usually once a week at the most. And because I feel not everyone has time to read one every night I've decided.... Im not going to blog on Sundays, Wednesdays and maybe Fridays... Not sure yet on the Friday one.

I've done around 15 blogs now... thats 15 weeks of blogs for some people... maybe even a year for others... SO I will continue to do more than one a week, but I realize schedules get busy and thus not everyone can read every post.

So this is a gift to the readers (mostly myself, it gets really stressful trying to write a new post everyday). 

And thus I ask you all enjoy your Sunday and Wednesday nights. Go to church, do homework, hang with family etc..

Love all of you (a lot!(but not too much)),

Blake J.

From Another Mother

Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Its the guy/girl that keeps you at your best. Like metal against metal, they keep you sharp. Everyone needs one. I'm not necessarily talking about a best friend, because if you're like me you probably have multiple friends of equal rank... But everyone needs to have that one friend that acts as both an accountability and a whetstone (stone used to sharpen cutting tools).

Now if you look at the "best friend" of today you'll notice some things....

1. They're usually referred to as sibling (brother from another mother).
2. Sometimes they have cool nicknames like Wingman (me and my little brother use that one).
3. And it's someone who can drop what they're doing to help you (or hurt  you if needed).

Now when you compare this to the spiritual friend I speak of, they're quite similar. The only difference is this.

1. They need to help strengthen your walk with Christ.

And heres where the verse comes in... In troubling times, people may desert us. But your wingman, gal pal, bro, chica, foil, best "fran" etc. will always be by your side. They are there to bring you up. 

But this friend also has the responsibility of beating the snot out of you (maybe just "a stern talking to" would do?) whenever you fall into something stupid... over, and over again.

One major rule of THE FRIEND is this. Make sure you have someone who will not bring you down. 

Proverbs has like a bazillion verses concerning the company you keep (I think Solomon's favorite word was folly). You must ascertain yourself in this: This person loves Jesus, and will do nothing to hinder your relationship with Him.

If you don't have an accountability or spiritual friend, you need one. Some people have a whole group of these friends and thats great! But if your lacking in skills of friend tracking, pray. Thats what I did. You can surround yourself with countless friends. But you need at least one who understands you, and can keep you on track. 

So enjoy the rest of your super fast (and really rainy) weekend.

Your friend,

Blake J.

Party Masks!

Seeing as how it is Friday night, I know not too many people will be able to read this post right away. But for those of you who do read, or who will be able to read it later I have a simple post tonight...

Are you yourself in church, or outside of church? Basically meaning, where do you put on a cover? Do you walk into church on Sunday, acting as if what happened Saturday never happened at all? Or do you walk into school Monday, acting like what didn't happen Saturday night, actually happened?

While not everyone has this problem, it is apparent that a lot of Christian teens have trouble deciding which side of the line they're on.

And that is what Fighting Statistics is all about. Most of us are not expected to really go to church and care. Most of us are not expected to bring Jesus to school. 

What are we expected to do? Just live like any other teenager? Don't they already have statistics of their own? We should never be lumped into the same category. Im not saying we shouldn't hang out with non-followers but acting like one is a whole' nother story. 

Now Im 100% sure there will be some changes in your life when you decide to totally commit to living for Jesus.

These changes include but are not limited to:

1. Higher self worth
2. Loss of friends (at least the ones that don't stand where you stand)
3. Ridicule 
4. Respect (after the ridicule wears off)
5. New better friends that support you and love you
6. More Respect
7. Happiness

Now the important thing to say about number 2 and 3 is this: If the people you hang out with on weekends don't like the new you, its okay. They won't understand. If these people are the same people you go to church with, then you have bigger problems. But it happens, sometimes it takes one courageous person to say, "Hey why can't we always act like we're at church."

The ridicule/respect deal is different though: A lot of the people who might ridicule you are those closest to you. But if you continue to show a strong faith in Christ and refrain from doing bad things, people will gain new respect for you. Everyone respects someone who stands strong in their faith.

So thats it for tonight, short(ish) and simple.... So make sure that no matter where you go this weekend you leave your mask at home, and be yourself.

2 Timothy 2:15

¹⁵Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

So enjoy the rest of your weekend, and try to stay dry.

Blake J.

"Do Hard Things"

The book that inspired me to make a change in my life. I grew tired of being the norm, a statistic. And this book by brothers Alex and Brett Harris was the extra push I needed.

The main focus of the book and the brother's cause is this: Rebel Against Low Expectations. Thats why I highly recommend this book. It got me off my couch, and my sideline relationship with Christ, and got me into blogging and trying to be more of a leader.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when the brothers explain expectations. They show how teenagers are not expected to do anything; and if we are, we usually reach bare minimum and stop there.

"It's almost gotten to the point that people expect less of teenagers than they do of toddlers. Think about it. Why do babies with inferior motor skills, reasoning abilities, and physical strength, experience nearly 100 percent success in overcoming difficult challenges, while teens falter? Well, one is expected, and the other is not.     

Why does every healthy baby learn to walk while very few teenagers have learned to dance? One is expected, and the other is not.

Why does every healthy baby overcome communication barriers by learning to talk while few teenagers overcome barriers between themselves and their parents by learning to communicate? One is expected, and the other is not.

The truth is that all of us are susceptible to low expectations. Once we have satisfied the minimum requirements, we tend to stop pushing ourselves."

I laughed pretty hard when I read this (I try to humor myself whenever I feel I've been criticize (because this statement hit me pretty hard)). 

What Im trying to get at is this: We have all been called to be SO much more! What is a dream you have? Something that you've wanted to do for a long time but felt discouraged? The Harris brothers refer to something called your "holy ambition," a God given desire to do something great that will bring glory to his kingdom and help others. 

Good examples are things like: starting non-profit organizations or ministries, or becoming a missionary. Maybe you want to write music, and become a singer or worship leader. What's stopping you? Maybe you want to write a book, or even become president. What's stopping you from that, anyone can these days (referring to the book)?

But make sure that in whatever you do, all glory goes to God. The one who gave you the desires and the talent to see them brought to life.  We have a new life in Christ. But a lot of us still continue to do the same things. Maybe not as far as sinning, but if you spend everyday in the same routine: go to school, homework, hangout with friends, t.v., X-box, shopping etc... it becomes really hard to advance in your relationship with Christ and others. Remember the verse James 4:17, if you know the good you can do and don't do it.... your sinning.

So put on the New Self

Colossians 3:1-4

 ¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.⁴When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Tomorrows Friday! Continue to stand firm in your faith this week, go to church Sunday, and try to figure out whether you're on the field or on the bench.

For more information on "Do Hard Things" go to www.dohardthings.com it should take you to their Rebelution website

Blake J.

In Jesus' Name

I can move a mountain. I can heal the sick. Give sight to the blind. Feed the hungry. Cast out demons. I can do anything.

A phrase that is taken to lightly. Usually the quickest part of any prayer. But what we don't get is that the prayer is made possible because of this phrase.

We have power in Jesus' name, just look at what it has done. The disciples used it to do all the things mentioned above (I don't know if they tried moving any mountains though, but they could definitely have done it). If using Jesus as a mediator wasn't as big of a deal most prayers would end like this

"Alright God, until next time!"

But what's funny is how we have come to use Jesus' name as a goodbye instead of a proclamation of our covenant with God.

Amen: uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning 'So be it.'

Not gonna lie... I never really knew the true meaning to Amen. For the longest time I thought it was some word used for "thanks for listening, please answer my prayers."

Do you know how much your prayer can change just because you know the meaning of Amen?

"In Jesus' Name, Amen,"  Until now may have meant very little to you. I know I never payed much attention to it. But think about it, although you may have known the power in Jesus' name, now you can effectively use it.

Acts 19:11-20

The Sons of Sceva

   

    ¹¹And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. ¹³Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." ¹⁴Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. ¹⁵But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" ¹⁶And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. ¹⁸Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. ¹⁹And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. ²⁰So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

So here are seven brothers.... who got beat up by one guy (demon possessed of course). This might be most of us. Just like our bedtime or pre-meal prayers, we just throw in a "Jesus" and assume it makes everything better. 

But notice one other thing from this passage, even after being totally humiliated everyone who saw what happened repented and became believers. 

Side Note: We have already won. The demons know this, and Satan knows this, and he does not want us to know this... 

So now go out and proclaim the name! We have victory in Jesus! 

Whether your praying for food, our country, protection of others, or even for confidence on stage or during trials and temptations; Know that you have power through Jesus. 

Halfway through the week, try to spread the word about the blog. And keep coming up with topics, thanks to those who have already contributed.

Blake J.