http://overoceansblog.blogspot.com/
thats the URL.
I'm praying that the Lord will use this new blog to track my travels following Him all over the world. It's so exciting just to know who Jesus is!
I hope that you will read, pray, and join me in changing the world with the hope of Christ!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
my utmost desire
to change
to bring glory to Your name
to become the man i was created to be
to sing the songs i was created to sing
to say the words i was created to speak
to trust in the truth i was made to believe
to say thank you for what ive been given
to find joy in everything
to love the way you love
to give more than enough
to walk the streets of heaven
to sing praises at Your feet
to share the wisdom Youve given
to become more like you and less like me
to bring glory to Your name
to become the man i was created to be
to sing the songs i was created to sing
to say the words i was created to speak
to trust in the truth i was made to believe
to say thank you for what ive been given
to find joy in everything
to love the way you love
to give more than enough
to walk the streets of heaven
to sing praises at Your feet
to share the wisdom Youve given
to become more like you and less like me
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A W Tozer:
O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, `Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.' Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
my friend Jen sent me this. . .
I just wanted to share with ya something that I heard Sunday morning that was so awesome, such an encouragement!! We had a guest speaker yesterday, he told us a story of how he met this woman who was trying to explain to him about the drug Prozac that she used to take. As he was listening to her explain this drug to him, how it works..he started to see the overall picture behind her story. She explained to him that she has this disease that forms tumors on all of her nerve endings, is extremely painful, most of the time unbearable. She then explained that when she takes this medication (Prozac) it basicly numbs her brain, her ability to think clearly, make right decisions. Through talking to her more he realizes that this woman is a Christian, she said that what hurts the most is that it disables her ability to please her Lord, obey Him and make choices that are centered around Him. So, because she felt like she wasn't able to please the Lord the way she needed to, she decided to stop taking her medication, suffer through the pain so that she could please her Lord!! Is that powerful stuff or what?! After hearing that I thought...if this woman was willing to suffer in order to please, obey her Lord then we, as perfectly healthy individuals have no reason or excuse to ever stop striving to please, obey our Lord and Heavenly Father! Also, I mean if this woman was able to make such a sacrifice as that in order to do what's right, obey God..then that just proves how important it is for us as Christians to strive to please the Lord! I hope this was as much an encouragement to you as it was to me..pass it on to somebody else too so they can be encouraged to please, obey our Lord!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Why read Proverbs? (part 4)
:to give prudence to the naive, knowledge and discretion to the youth.
We are all children of God and must rely on this divine perspective of wisdom thats necessary to handle life's issues.
Its where the rubber meets the road!
We are all children of God and must rely on this divine perspective of wisdom thats necessary to handle life's issues.
Its where the rubber meets the road!
Why read Proverbs? (part 3)
:to recieve instruction in wise behavior, righteousness and justice.
To know what is right and what is fair.
It teaches us to live life skillfully,
...to live a godly life in an ungodly world.
To know what is right and what is fair.
It teaches us to live life skillfully,
...to live a godly life in an ungodly world.
Why read Proverbs? (part 2)
:to discern the sayings of understanding.
Proverbs calls us to keep the Word of God written on the tablet of our heart.
Proverbs instructs us to store up His commands within us. Thats exciting!
Proverbs calls us to keep the Word of God written on the tablet of our heart.
Proverbs instructs us to store up His commands within us. Thats exciting!
Why read Proverbs? (part 1)
:to know wisdom and instruction.
Wisdom wants to know you and help you glorify Jesus Christ to your maximum potential. Wisdom wants to watch over you and help you live a life worthy of your calling.
Wisdom wants to know you and help you glorify Jesus Christ to your maximum potential. Wisdom wants to watch over you and help you live a life worthy of your calling.
Why read Proverbs? (intro)
Ive seen so many christian friends neglect the Old Testament and disregard certain old school bible stuff and it provoked me to share a bit about my favorite book in the Bible: PROVERBS
Why read a book so old?
Is it irrelavent?
NO WAY!
Why read a book so old?
Is it irrelavent?
NO WAY!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It is time!
this is an excerpt from a study guide my apologetics prof wrote, Dr Brian Shepard:
It is time the world's teenagers stopped believing in God because their parents told them to.
It is time parents stopped going to church to appease their consience by executing their religious duty.
It is time people stopped claiming there is no God due to insufficient evidence.
It is time people stopped worshipping false gods.
It is time that people investigated the undeniable evidence for truth to understand why they belive what they believe.
It is time the world's teenagers stopped believing in God because their parents told them to.
It is time parents stopped going to church to appease their consience by executing their religious duty.
It is time people stopped claiming there is no God due to insufficient evidence.
It is time people stopped worshipping false gods.
It is time that people investigated the undeniable evidence for truth to understand why they belive what they believe.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Heart of the matter...
No one knows God better than Satan,
No one did more for God than the Pharisees...
Head knowledge & good works are never enough to pay your sin debt.
True love & salvation is only found in the blood of Jesus
No one did more for God than the Pharisees...
Head knowledge & good works are never enough to pay your sin debt.
True love & salvation is only found in the blood of Jesus
Read Acts 1:8
I want to share this with you.
When Jesus says that you shall be my witnesses in Samaria. He is refering to those places that are out of limits, out of bounds. In John 4 Jesus went through Samaria but the Jews alaways avoided it.
Are there places you intentionally avoid. The people who live there need Jesus too.
Shine your light in the despised places!!!
When Jesus says that you shall be my witnesses in Samaria. He is refering to those places that are out of limits, out of bounds. In John 4 Jesus went through Samaria but the Jews alaways avoided it.
Are there places you intentionally avoid. The people who live there need Jesus too.
Shine your light in the despised places!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
christian surfers devo 6-2-08
06.02.08
Storing Up
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have the right board for the occasion? On a trip you can only choose from the quiver you packed.
In life, for the most part, people want good to come out of them. But the way we control what comes out of us is by focusing on what goes into us. In Luke 6:45 Jesus says, “The good man brings good things out of the good STORED UP in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil STORED UP in his heart. For out of the OVERFLOW of his heart his mouth speaks.”
Have you ever had those occasions when you didn’t want to go to church and listen to another message or sit and read your Bible? Sometimes it just feels like it doesn’t matter. But here’s the thing, you are storing up good and at some point it will overflow. The opposite is also true. You ever think, “it doesn’t hurt anyone if I look at this in privacy” or “it doesn’t matter if I listen to gossip, I mean, I’m not the one saying it”? You’re storing up and at some point it’s gonna overflow. That’s why it’s important to take in good and reject evil because you are “STORING UP”.
The key to having the right board on a trip is packing the right board at home. The key to having good come out of you is to have good stored up in you.
Who do you surf for?
Storing Up
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have the right board for the occasion? On a trip you can only choose from the quiver you packed.
In life, for the most part, people want good to come out of them. But the way we control what comes out of us is by focusing on what goes into us. In Luke 6:45 Jesus says, “The good man brings good things out of the good STORED UP in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil STORED UP in his heart. For out of the OVERFLOW of his heart his mouth speaks.”
Have you ever had those occasions when you didn’t want to go to church and listen to another message or sit and read your Bible? Sometimes it just feels like it doesn’t matter. But here’s the thing, you are storing up good and at some point it will overflow. The opposite is also true. You ever think, “it doesn’t hurt anyone if I look at this in privacy” or “it doesn’t matter if I listen to gossip, I mean, I’m not the one saying it”? You’re storing up and at some point it’s gonna overflow. That’s why it’s important to take in good and reject evil because you are “STORING UP”.
The key to having the right board on a trip is packing the right board at home. The key to having good come out of you is to have good stored up in you.
Who do you surf for?
Who's inheritance?
It blows my mind to read and know that we are God's inheritance according to Ephesians 1:18.
He loves us,
wants us,
draws us,
calls us,
forgives us
& changes us!
We are His, bought by innocent blood. Do you regard yourself with that since of worth?
You are prized by Majesty!
He loves us,
wants us,
draws us,
calls us,
forgives us
& changes us!
We are His, bought by innocent blood. Do you regard yourself with that since of worth?
You are prized by Majesty!
Time-Out.
When was the last time you were simply broken before God with thanks for your salvation?
I want to encourage you today to take some time alone and thank Jesus for what He has done in you.
Thank Him that you KNOW THE TRUTH,
that you HEAR HIS VOICE,
thaT you ARE FORGIVEN OF SIN,
and SET APART FOR HIM.
Seriously. Dont take your salvation for granted.
I want to encourage you today to take some time alone and thank Jesus for what He has done in you.
Thank Him that you KNOW THE TRUTH,
that you HEAR HIS VOICE,
thaT you ARE FORGIVEN OF SIN,
and SET APART FOR HIM.
Seriously. Dont take your salvation for granted.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tipping the scales..
Many people try to weigh their good deeds against their sin to feel better about their standing before God... but Isaiah 64:6 says, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags"
Our good deeds can never outweigh our sins..
This is why WE NEED JESUS!
Read Crazy Love by francis chan (i wanted share this thought from that book)
Our good deeds can never outweigh our sins..
This is why WE NEED JESUS!
Read Crazy Love by francis chan (i wanted share this thought from that book)
Trust in whom?
Proverbs 3:5 says, "trust in the Lord with all your heart."
Are there areas of your life that you do not trust the Lord in? Sometimes we shrink God down to the size of our biggest problem because we dont trust that He can overcome our biggest struggles. Thats an innacurate picture of who God is. He's so big we can't even fathom His complete glory.
Do you trust Him for forever, yet doubt Him to work in your life today?
Trust in this:
His strength...
His goodness...
His lovingkindness...
His care...
& His deliverence...
Are there areas of your life that you do not trust the Lord in? Sometimes we shrink God down to the size of our biggest problem because we dont trust that He can overcome our biggest struggles. Thats an innacurate picture of who God is. He's so big we can't even fathom His complete glory.
Do you trust Him for forever, yet doubt Him to work in your life today?
Trust in this:
His strength...
His goodness...
His lovingkindness...
His care...
& His deliverence...
Monday, May 26, 2008
Christian Surfers Devotion (last week)
Romans 12:16
Have you ever noticed how we establish the “pecking order” based on ourselves? What I mean is this; if I’m surfing at home – locals rule, if I’m on a trip – out of towners should be treated nicely, if I rip – then kooks should beat it, but, if I’m a beginner (and we all were at some point) then there should be room for everyone. See what I mean? We establish things based on ourselves. Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t instruct and encourage people in the unwritten laws of surfing, but I’m talking about how we put ourselves above others. I’m not gonna talk to that kid – he’s too young. I’m not going surfing with that crew – people might think we’re friends. Well check out this verse in four different versions. Romans 12:16
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
KJV
Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
The Message
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
NIV
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
New Living Translation
Based on what God says in this verse, what do you think He wants you to do this week in/out of the water?
Who do you surf for?
Have you ever noticed how we establish the “pecking order” based on ourselves? What I mean is this; if I’m surfing at home – locals rule, if I’m on a trip – out of towners should be treated nicely, if I rip – then kooks should beat it, but, if I’m a beginner (and we all were at some point) then there should be room for everyone. See what I mean? We establish things based on ourselves. Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t instruct and encourage people in the unwritten laws of surfing, but I’m talking about how we put ourselves above others. I’m not gonna talk to that kid – he’s too young. I’m not going surfing with that crew – people might think we’re friends. Well check out this verse in four different versions. Romans 12:16
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
KJV
Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
The Message
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
NIV
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
New Living Translation
Based on what God says in this verse, what do you think He wants you to do this week in/out of the water?
Who do you surf for?
Christian Surfers Devotion
05.26.08
Perspective
Have you ever noticed how the view from the beach is always better than from the water? This happens especially when I’m surfing a beachbreak. The tide will change and the peak I’m surfing turns to mush and it isn’t until I paddle in that I see the peak down the beach that was horrible earlier is now firing.
God’s view is the beach view, he sees the whole picture. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul says, “while we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in things that seem so important moment to moment but in the light of eternity (God's view) lack any significance. Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
This week, take some time in the Word and ask God to reveal His eternal perspective to you, He can’t wait to share it with you!
Perspective
Have you ever noticed how the view from the beach is always better than from the water? This happens especially when I’m surfing a beachbreak. The tide will change and the peak I’m surfing turns to mush and it isn’t until I paddle in that I see the peak down the beach that was horrible earlier is now firing.
God’s view is the beach view, he sees the whole picture. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul says, “while we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in things that seem so important moment to moment but in the light of eternity (God's view) lack any significance. Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
This week, take some time in the Word and ask God to reveal His eternal perspective to you, He can’t wait to share it with you!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
i was... i am
i was a dj
i was a user
i was a way fairing stranger
i was a dreamer
i was a pilot
i was a music store clerk
i was a writer
i was a part-time jerk
i was a painter
i was shallow as a grave
i was the instigator
i hurled insults at His name
i was forgiven
i was washed in the blood of the lamb
i am secure now
cant be plucked from the palm of His hand
i am a child
i am a star in the darkest night
i am on course now
saved by grace... clothed in light.
i was a user
i was a way fairing stranger
i was a dreamer
i was a pilot
i was a music store clerk
i was a writer
i was a part-time jerk
i was a painter
i was shallow as a grave
i was the instigator
i hurled insults at His name
i was forgiven
i was washed in the blood of the lamb
i am secure now
cant be plucked from the palm of His hand
i am a child
i am a star in the darkest night
i am on course now
saved by grace... clothed in light.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Christian Surfers
Welcome to Christian Surfers United States!
We are an international tribe bringing the Good News of Jesus to the surfing world. As surfers we understand the addiction. As Christians we are continually challenged by the question, "Who do YOU surf for?"
As a member of CSUS you will have many opportunities to join God in what He is doing among surfers. These occasions range from general training sessions to participating in local outreaches to attending national conferences and more. But it all begins with this initial challenge:
Each member of CS is asked to place a Christian Surfers sticker on their surfboard. This sticker is there, not to proclaim truth, but to remind each of us "Who we surf for." As our surfing and life is submitted to Jesus, He will live through us and He will proclaim His truth.
The next thing that we ask is that each Monday at lunch you would spend some time praying for surfers and for this ministry. You will receive a devotional each Monday morning in your email that will include a couple prayer needs.
If you're a person that is ready to get radical, you've joined the right ministry. Just think about it, hundreds - even thousands of people petitioning the God of the universe for the souls of surfers at your local break and for you as God's ambassador. Wow! Now, let's paddle out keeping in mind, "Who we surf for."
Following him, in and out of the lineup,
Christian Surfers United States
We are an international tribe bringing the Good News of Jesus to the surfing world. As surfers we understand the addiction. As Christians we are continually challenged by the question, "Who do YOU surf for?"
As a member of CSUS you will have many opportunities to join God in what He is doing among surfers. These occasions range from general training sessions to participating in local outreaches to attending national conferences and more. But it all begins with this initial challenge:
Each member of CS is asked to place a Christian Surfers sticker on their surfboard. This sticker is there, not to proclaim truth, but to remind each of us "Who we surf for." As our surfing and life is submitted to Jesus, He will live through us and He will proclaim His truth.
The next thing that we ask is that each Monday at lunch you would spend some time praying for surfers and for this ministry. You will receive a devotional each Monday morning in your email that will include a couple prayer needs.
If you're a person that is ready to get radical, you've joined the right ministry. Just think about it, hundreds - even thousands of people petitioning the God of the universe for the souls of surfers at your local break and for you as God's ambassador. Wow! Now, let's paddle out keeping in mind, "Who we surf for."
Following him, in and out of the lineup,
Christian Surfers United States
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
No matter what obstacles you are facing,
whatever worries you have about the future or
whatever pains are buried in your past...
u are not alone.
And remember that because Christ lives in us, we have the power to share our hope with others!
whatever worries you have about the future or
whatever pains are buried in your past...
u are not alone.
And remember that because Christ lives in us, we have the power to share our hope with others!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
a prayer for grace & strength
Francis Chan shared that so often we pray for God to lead us yet He is always leading His people. A better prayer would be:
Jesus we pray that you would please give uus the grace and strength to follow after you.
Lets be followers of the truth & give action to our faith.
Jesus wrote in Proverbs, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me."
Jesus we pray that you would please give uus the grace and strength to follow after you.
Lets be followers of the truth & give action to our faith.
Jesus wrote in Proverbs, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me."
the Book of John
John 20:31, "..these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
The gospel of john is the good news about God. John wrote to strengthen believers and to appeal to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ.
Read it today, we all need a little good news every once in awhile!
The gospel of john is the good news about God. John wrote to strengthen believers and to appeal to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ.
Read it today, we all need a little good news every once in awhile!
passport to transformation
God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be like Jesus.
This is one reason we worship, to behold His glory and be transformed by His love in our hearts.
2 Corintians 3:18, "we all show the Lord's glory, and we are being changed to be like Him"
This is one reason we worship, to behold His glory and be transformed by His love in our hearts.
2 Corintians 3:18, "we all show the Lord's glory, and we are being changed to be like Him"
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
one question you must answer
The most important question we all must answer is found in Mark 8:29, Jesus asks, "who do you say that I am?"
How does your heart respond to this query?
Your response should determine how you live your life. If you believe that He is God, if you know the truth and hear His voice then follow Him.
How does your heart respond to this query?
Your response should determine how you live your life. If you believe that He is God, if you know the truth and hear His voice then follow Him.
true religion is a life of faith
In the book of James there is a contrast between verses 26 and 27 of the first chapter. if someone thinks of themselves as religious yet cant control their own tongue, this ones religion is useless. Yet true faith is expressed by the charge: to visit orphans & widows, and to stay pure from the pollution of the world.
We are all missionary's.
On a mission to show the love of Christ!
We are all missionary's.
On a mission to show the love of Christ!
Peace
We all need peace in our lives but sometimes it seems we look in all the wrong places to find it.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 shows that peace is a gift of Jesus Christ.
Ask Him for peace when you need it, because the truth is that you will never find true peace outside of Him.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 shows that peace is a gift of Jesus Christ.
Ask Him for peace when you need it, because the truth is that you will never find true peace outside of Him.
follow what or who?
You can follow your heart... but what if it lies?
Proverbs 28:26, "he who trusts his own heart is a fool"
...Lets put our faith in the one who has the power to purify our hearts!
Proverbs 28:26, "he who trusts his own heart is a fool"
...Lets put our faith in the one who has the power to purify our hearts!
What do we all have in Common?
Everyone needs compassion, a love thats never failing...
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior...
Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned" We have this in common, that we need Jesus. But heres good news:
His blood stands in our defense!
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior...
Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned" We have this in common, that we need Jesus. But heres good news:
His blood stands in our defense!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A story from Passion
The Day Unending Life Began
If you've been anywhere around the Passion Movement in the last year you've come to know and love Ashley Akinns. Her huge heart for life, and her embrace of the grace we all so desperately cling to, has changed our lives forever and put a beautiful face on the mission we carry in our hearts . For those of you new to the journey, this was Ashley's first e-mail to us last year:
January 22, 2007
Hi, I feel kinda weird writing this email. And i doubt if it ever gets to Mr Louie Giglio. I am a Senior at The University of Florida. I got a new roommate this semester and she is a Christian and I have never really been into the whole Christian thing because every pastor or speaker that I have ever listened to didn't speak in a language I could understand. I have believed in God and Jesus, but never really understood it because the preachers at the church that I have always been forced to go to every Sunday of my life. They speak all high and mighty and I never really felt connected, and I felt like God was only for the perfect people.
Well my roommate went to this Passion Conference over winter break. And she came back and moved into my apt and she was real and genuine about all her Christian stuff, like I have never seen before in a person. She said that God changed her at this conference, so i was like what are you talking about. And she told me. She told me about how God was cool, and how God really wanted a deeper relationship with her, and she wanted to really love God the way he loved her, so of course I was like well huh? She then said you need to listen to Louie talk about God, so I asked who Louie was, and she put on the Indescribable talk, and then we watched the Passport talk. And in the Passport talk you said that Christians do not have to just hope for the best at the end, that they do not have to do enough good stuff. You explained how to get to heaven in a simple way, in a way that I have never heard before. I actually got it, I got it that it is not about being so good, cause I am not a good person. I have screwed up a lot. But then you said grace, and talked about how is was different than other religions. Because God is a loving and a kind God who wants to forgive me. My roommate then explained that he wants to forgive me.
Now for one of the reasons I am thanking you. One, I am now a Christian. And two, my roommate said that she had never really cared about telling others about how much God loved her before she went to this conference. So though I am not sure who will ever read this. Please tell Louie thanks from me, for talking about Christ in a way that a college kid can understand. I know that Jesus has changed my life and as I get ready to graduate college in May, I am gonna be a different person. I am sorry this is kinda rambling but I just had to tell you that I now know about the Grace of God, and I have life for the first time in my 22 years
Ashley
Well, I have to say reading those words for the very first time was one of my happiest days in the history of "everything Passion." Here was a student who had never come through the doors of a Passion gathering, yet because of someone who had (her roommate, Christa) Ashley found the embrace of the God who made her and gave His all so she would know how much He truly loved her and that He always would. It wasn't so much about Passion, but about the fact that one of the students we so desperately love had found the Savior, and, in her words, knew she had life for the first time in her 22 years on this planet.
Amazing!
Yet, soon our joy was mixed with tears as the news reached us that an accident took Ashley from us a year ago today. She only walked with Jesus on earth for three short months, but Ashley's life was forever changed. And through the kindness of her family, who have allowed her story to be told, God is using Ashley to touch the lives of people around the world. It would seem appropriate to title this entry [Remembering Ashley Akinns - 6/21/84 - 4/29/07], but how could we ever forget her? Her story is forever woven into the very fabric of our hearts, and not a day has gone by in the year so quickly passed that we have not thought about her and because of her thought about what it means to really live. Today is a difficult and precious day, in that it's the day Ashley first saw Jesus face to face. Yet, today is a hopeful day because of January 21, 2007...the day, for Ashley, unending life began.
When Ashley's mom wrote to tell me about Ashley's death she said, "I may never meet you here on earth, but I know that someday I will be able to meet you and give you a hug in heaven, but only after Ash does." Well, from the looks of things, I'm going to be one of many in a long, long line of people waiting to meet Ashley as we all celebrate the One who is mighty to save. Yet, we are all going to have to wait until she's reunited with the ones she loved the most, those whose wounds are deepest on this day... those who miss her more than we could ever know.
To Ashley's family and closest friends, our thoughts and prayers surround each of you today. May her life-loving smile brighten the sadness of this day, and may the arms that so tightly hold her now carry you until you hold her in your arms again.
Louie
If you've been anywhere around the Passion Movement in the last year you've come to know and love Ashley Akinns. Her huge heart for life, and her embrace of the grace we all so desperately cling to, has changed our lives forever and put a beautiful face on the mission we carry in our hearts . For those of you new to the journey, this was Ashley's first e-mail to us last year:
January 22, 2007
Hi, I feel kinda weird writing this email. And i doubt if it ever gets to Mr Louie Giglio. I am a Senior at The University of Florida. I got a new roommate this semester and she is a Christian and I have never really been into the whole Christian thing because every pastor or speaker that I have ever listened to didn't speak in a language I could understand. I have believed in God and Jesus, but never really understood it because the preachers at the church that I have always been forced to go to every Sunday of my life. They speak all high and mighty and I never really felt connected, and I felt like God was only for the perfect people.
Well my roommate went to this Passion Conference over winter break. And she came back and moved into my apt and she was real and genuine about all her Christian stuff, like I have never seen before in a person. She said that God changed her at this conference, so i was like what are you talking about. And she told me. She told me about how God was cool, and how God really wanted a deeper relationship with her, and she wanted to really love God the way he loved her, so of course I was like well huh? She then said you need to listen to Louie talk about God, so I asked who Louie was, and she put on the Indescribable talk, and then we watched the Passport talk. And in the Passport talk you said that Christians do not have to just hope for the best at the end, that they do not have to do enough good stuff. You explained how to get to heaven in a simple way, in a way that I have never heard before. I actually got it, I got it that it is not about being so good, cause I am not a good person. I have screwed up a lot. But then you said grace, and talked about how is was different than other religions. Because God is a loving and a kind God who wants to forgive me. My roommate then explained that he wants to forgive me.
Now for one of the reasons I am thanking you. One, I am now a Christian. And two, my roommate said that she had never really cared about telling others about how much God loved her before she went to this conference. So though I am not sure who will ever read this. Please tell Louie thanks from me, for talking about Christ in a way that a college kid can understand. I know that Jesus has changed my life and as I get ready to graduate college in May, I am gonna be a different person. I am sorry this is kinda rambling but I just had to tell you that I now know about the Grace of God, and I have life for the first time in my 22 years
Ashley
Well, I have to say reading those words for the very first time was one of my happiest days in the history of "everything Passion." Here was a student who had never come through the doors of a Passion gathering, yet because of someone who had (her roommate, Christa) Ashley found the embrace of the God who made her and gave His all so she would know how much He truly loved her and that He always would. It wasn't so much about Passion, but about the fact that one of the students we so desperately love had found the Savior, and, in her words, knew she had life for the first time in her 22 years on this planet.
Amazing!
Yet, soon our joy was mixed with tears as the news reached us that an accident took Ashley from us a year ago today. She only walked with Jesus on earth for three short months, but Ashley's life was forever changed. And through the kindness of her family, who have allowed her story to be told, God is using Ashley to touch the lives of people around the world. It would seem appropriate to title this entry [Remembering Ashley Akinns - 6/21/84 - 4/29/07], but how could we ever forget her? Her story is forever woven into the very fabric of our hearts, and not a day has gone by in the year so quickly passed that we have not thought about her and because of her thought about what it means to really live. Today is a difficult and precious day, in that it's the day Ashley first saw Jesus face to face. Yet, today is a hopeful day because of January 21, 2007...the day, for Ashley, unending life began.
When Ashley's mom wrote to tell me about Ashley's death she said, "I may never meet you here on earth, but I know that someday I will be able to meet you and give you a hug in heaven, but only after Ash does." Well, from the looks of things, I'm going to be one of many in a long, long line of people waiting to meet Ashley as we all celebrate the One who is mighty to save. Yet, we are all going to have to wait until she's reunited with the ones she loved the most, those whose wounds are deepest on this day... those who miss her more than we could ever know.
To Ashley's family and closest friends, our thoughts and prayers surround each of you today. May her life-loving smile brighten the sadness of this day, and may the arms that so tightly hold her now carry you until you hold her in your arms again.
Louie
Monday, April 28, 2008
my newest favorite song
...is by Eddie Kirkland, he's a worship leader for Northpoint Community Church. Listen to "how He loves us" What a wonderful song...
He loves us!
He loves us!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Shark Attack Stats for FLA
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/GAttack/mapFL.htm
this is a sweet site for checking the shark attack stats...
this is a sweet site for checking the shark attack stats...
(NO MATTER WHAT)
God is amazing! Think about the promises He has made to us..
Hebrews 13:5 - He will never leave us! (no matter what)
He is coming back for us!
-my good friend Justin Locke shared that with me and I just wanted to echo this encouraging word from my heart to yours...
Hebrews 13:5 - He will never leave us! (no matter what)
He is coming back for us!
-my good friend Justin Locke shared that with me and I just wanted to echo this encouraging word from my heart to yours...
You can't lose your salvation.
The Bible teaches that all the redeemed and saved are kept by God's power and are secure in Christ forever. In John 5:24 Jesus says, "he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life...and has passed from life to death"
be comforted that you cant pass from death to life and then back to death again..
Jesus has redeemed us in Him forEVER!
be comforted that you cant pass from death to life and then back to death again..
Jesus has redeemed us in Him forEVER!
By Faith...
How amazing it is to know that through faith in Jesus Christ we can be forgiven, justified, saved, made right before God, become sanctified, get life and shine spiritual light. Through faith we recieve everlasting life, eternal rest, access to God, inheritance of the promises, become adopted children of God and are given the Holy Spirit.
Does anything compare to this?
I want more faith!
Does anything compare to this?
I want more faith!
in search of meaning?
"vanity of vanities, all is vanity" -Ecclesiastes 1:2.
So much under the sun was troubling to Solomon, but the reality of judgement for all became certain. He realised that the only fullfilled life is one lived in proper recognition of God and service to Him. Anything else is frustrating and pointless...
So much under the sun was troubling to Solomon, but the reality of judgement for all became certain. He realised that the only fullfilled life is one lived in proper recognition of God and service to Him. Anything else is frustrating and pointless...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
right Way or wrong way?
Proverbs 16:25.. "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death"
There are two ways you can go by.. The broad way may look appealing and even feel like a way to God(religion). But Jesus is the Way to life. Walking the narrow road by faith is pleasing to Him.
Why walk towards death when we can seek and find life in Jesus?
There are two ways you can go by.. The broad way may look appealing and even feel like a way to God(religion). But Jesus is the Way to life. Walking the narrow road by faith is pleasing to Him.
Why walk towards death when we can seek and find life in Jesus?
Where's your heart?
Mark 7:6, "these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me... they worrship me in vain, their teachings are merely human rules"
-just coming from Passion '08 ive been confronted by this verse..
Do we worship to encounter Jesus in truth?
Do we lean on our own understanding and disregard the evrlasting Word?
Are our hearts far from God's will or growing closer each day?
We must examine ourselves daily and rely oon the Holy Spirit to lead us into sincere worship...
-just coming from Passion '08 ive been confronted by this verse..
Do we worship to encounter Jesus in truth?
Do we lean on our own understanding and disregard the evrlasting Word?
Are our hearts far from God's will or growing closer each day?
We must examine ourselves daily and rely oon the Holy Spirit to lead us into sincere worship...
Psalm 9:10
"those who know your name put their trust in you"
...And Jesus we know your name!
we know that You are good,
You are gracious,
You are kind,
You are in control,
You never let go...
WE CAN TRUST YOU!
yesturday, today & forever
You are the same,
You never change,
You never fail,
You never fade!
...And Jesus we know your name!
we know that You are good,
You are gracious,
You are kind,
You are in control,
You never let go...
WE CAN TRUST YOU!
yesturday, today & forever
You are the same,
You never change,
You never fail,
You never fade!
Whats the difference?
Whats the difference in a dead body and someone with life?
Before we met Jesus we were dead in sin, "but God made you alive with Christ when He forgave our failures" Collosians 2:13
There should be a noticeable difference in someone who's been made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit and been forgiven..
Lets be different and point the dead around us towards life!
Before we met Jesus we were dead in sin, "but God made you alive with Christ when He forgave our failures" Collosians 2:13
There should be a noticeable difference in someone who's been made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit and been forgiven..
Lets be different and point the dead around us towards life!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Reform < Transform
Reformation is all around us.. People keep saying,
go on a diet..
change your hairstyle..
wake up earliar..
exercise more often..
People try to reform themselves but Jesus & His Holy Spirit has the power to transform our lives!
"the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" -psalms 34:18.
Only He can transform a broken heart into a new creation and give new life to a crushed spirit. The Lord is amazing!
He loves us soo much!
go on a diet..
change your hairstyle..
wake up earliar..
exercise more often..
People try to reform themselves but Jesus & His Holy Spirit has the power to transform our lives!
"the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" -psalms 34:18.
Only He can transform a broken heart into a new creation and give new life to a crushed spirit. The Lord is amazing!
He loves us soo much!
TRUE LOVE never parts
In Romans ch8 the Lord reveals that nothing can seperate us from the love of God. This verse is so assuring, so unconditional and complete. Nothing is greater than knowing that you are loved and forgiven unconditionally.
So we hope in joy that soon, very soon, we will see Jesus in all His glory
So we hope in joy that soon, very soon, we will see Jesus in all His glory
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Back from Passion '08
still realing from the work God did in my heart this weekend. I am made alive in Christ!!! His spirit points me towards Jesus daily.. He is my peace when trouble comes... my sanity and clarity! I worship a God who is still changing lives across the world, who is holy and worthy of praise. It's the desire of my heart to make His name famous.. To live a life worthy of the calling i've recieved.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
We are His!
"so God created man in His own image" -God wants us to know this! That we are made by Him for a purpose (to glorify Him)..
You are no mistake. Mark ch 12:16. Give to Ceasar what is Ceasars and give to God what is Gods.
If we are created in His image we must give Him all of who we are so that we can bring honor and praise to His name.
We are His!
We belong to Jesus!
You are no mistake. Mark ch 12:16. Give to Ceasar what is Ceasars and give to God what is Gods.
If we are created in His image we must give Him all of who we are so that we can bring honor and praise to His name.
We are His!
We belong to Jesus!
at last...
Every relationship stars with a meeting.. Psalm 139 proclaims that the Lord knows me and He knows you, even though though u may not know Him.
You see we were created by God so this is the better question..
Have you met God?
Do you know Him?
Do you listen to His truth?
Are u thirsting for His guidance in your life daily?
If not MEET HIM today!
He will meet you exactly where you are and fill you with joy, purpose and life..
You see we were created by God so this is the better question..
Have you met God?
Do you know Him?
Do you listen to His truth?
Are u thirsting for His guidance in your life daily?
If not MEET HIM today!
He will meet you exactly where you are and fill you with joy, purpose and life..
Friday, April 4, 2008
compassion and comfort
I challenge you to read 2 Corinthians ch 1 today.
It confirms that Jesus Christ is the father of all compassion and the God of all comfort.
Sometimes we may suffer for Him, but be assured that we are also comforted by Him. Where suffering overflows from Him to us, compassion also overflows.
Dont be misled that the christian life comes without hardships and persecution, but believe that God can calm any storm.
Do you know someone who is suffering?
Someone who needs compassion?
Let us pray for them, that our love may comfort them...
It confirms that Jesus Christ is the father of all compassion and the God of all comfort.
Sometimes we may suffer for Him, but be assured that we are also comforted by Him. Where suffering overflows from Him to us, compassion also overflows.
Dont be misled that the christian life comes without hardships and persecution, but believe that God can calm any storm.
Do you know someone who is suffering?
Someone who needs compassion?
Let us pray for them, that our love may comfort them...
"the truth shall set you free"
The last time i saw charlie hall live he shared that sometimes when he feels low, weary and burdened he makes an effort to share the truth with someone. He said sharing the truth just sets him free.
Share the truth with someone today!
Proverbs 12:22 says that they who speak truth are the delight of God.
check this-
Truth should be acknowledged, believed, obeyed, loved and rightly divided by all so all can know Him.
and all of God's people said, "awe yeah"
Share the truth with someone today!
Proverbs 12:22 says that they who speak truth are the delight of God.
check this-
Truth should be acknowledged, believed, obeyed, loved and rightly divided by all so all can know Him.
and all of God's people said, "awe yeah"
grace wins every time!
Read Romans 5:20, "where sin increased, grace increased all the more."
Grace has conquered sin!
Jesus Christ has conquered death!
God's grace is a gift. I never want to get lukewarm to the fact that i have been saved by grace. It is by faith that we please Him, but by grace that we believe in Him!
He is gracious and holy, worthy of our praise!
Grace has conquered sin!
Jesus Christ has conquered death!
God's grace is a gift. I never want to get lukewarm to the fact that i have been saved by grace. It is by faith that we please Him, but by grace that we believe in Him!
He is gracious and holy, worthy of our praise!
an awesome proverb
"There are three things that are too amazing for me,
four that I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a maiden.
four that I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a maiden.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
just saw Voddie!
i just got to hear Voddie Baucham preach this morning and it was amazing to hear God's Word spoken so passionately.
He's definetly my favorite preacher.
check him out people!
He's definetly my favorite preacher.
check him out people!
light walk
Ephesians 4, 5 and 6 show us the way we ought to behave as christians. To walk in the light, to be imitators of Christ.
In the NIV verse 9 says, "the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth."
How awesome would it be to live a life filled with goodness, defined by truth and righteousness. The bible says we must walk in the light!
Remember- darkness is fruitless.
In the NIV verse 9 says, "the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth."
How awesome would it be to live a life filled with goodness, defined by truth and righteousness. The bible says we must walk in the light!
Remember- darkness is fruitless.
faithfullness
Psalm 33:4, "the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithfull in all He does."
Let's face it, sometimes we blow it. Sometimes we are unfaithful or faithless yet we serve a God that is faithful in all He does.
He is who He says He is and He will do what He said He will do.
This is reason to PRAISE HIM!
Let's face it, sometimes we blow it. Sometimes we are unfaithful or faithless yet we serve a God that is faithful in all He does.
He is who He says He is and He will do what He said He will do.
This is reason to PRAISE HIM!
d-e-l-i-t-e
Psalm 37:4 says, "delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart"
...ive been thinking about what it means to delight in the Lord. the dictionary defines delight as to get extreme pleasure.
Do you delight in worship?
Do you delight in giving?
Do you delight in the reading of God's Word?
Open your heart to the Lord's will for your life and take pleasure in Him and you will desire His will which will become yours...
...ive been thinking about what it means to delight in the Lord. the dictionary defines delight as to get extreme pleasure.
Do you delight in worship?
Do you delight in giving?
Do you delight in the reading of God's Word?
Open your heart to the Lord's will for your life and take pleasure in Him and you will desire His will which will become yours...
The Rules
Are the rules you live by God's commands or man created?
It's easy to get swept up into religion. Sometimes it's not easy to understand that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
THIS IS WHY WE PRAISE GOD-
Because we dont deserve Him yet He made one way to Him, and we cant earn our way, we can only follow after Jesus.
He carried his cross.
Are you ready to pick up yours and follow after Him?
It's easy to get swept up into religion. Sometimes it's not easy to understand that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
THIS IS WHY WE PRAISE GOD-
Because we dont deserve Him yet He made one way to Him, and we cant earn our way, we can only follow after Jesus.
He carried his cross.
Are you ready to pick up yours and follow after Him?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
a man's steps
Proverbs 20:24 says , "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can any man understand his own way?"
have you ever seen a small child learning to walk? when left alone he stumbles and runs into things. the child doesnt have an understanding of the things around him, but when he hears his fathers voice and takes his fathers hand, he walks with him safe from harm.
We dont understand life apart from God's hand. We should allow him to lead us, direct us down the narrow way. And we will walk with Him!
have you ever seen a small child learning to walk? when left alone he stumbles and runs into things. the child doesnt have an understanding of the things around him, but when he hears his fathers voice and takes his fathers hand, he walks with him safe from harm.
We dont understand life apart from God's hand. We should allow him to lead us, direct us down the narrow way. And we will walk with Him!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Through FAITH
Ephesians ch 3 says that "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." This blows my mind. That we may have the freedom and confidence to stand in front of a Holy and Righteous God.. The one that created all that was and is and is to come.
That we may call him father.
Praise the Lord that he didnt forsake us- He invited us!
So let's stand together in faith by Him and for Him!
Awe Yeah!!!
That we may call him father.
Praise the Lord that he didnt forsake us- He invited us!
So let's stand together in faith by Him and for Him!
Awe Yeah!!!
i say again Rejoice!
This one goes out to all those who are weary, battered, broken, tired, hurting and just hanging on...
Phillipians 4:4 says, "rejoice in the Lord always, again i say rejoice!"
Why rejoice when life is so hard?
Because our names are written in the lamb's book of life. Christ is a fountain of joy that flows form the cross!
Rejoice today! Again i say REJOICE!
Phillipians 4:4 says, "rejoice in the Lord always, again i say rejoice!"
Why rejoice when life is so hard?
Because our names are written in the lamb's book of life. Christ is a fountain of joy that flows form the cross!
Rejoice today! Again i say REJOICE!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
common ground evangelism
Have you ever spent some time with a lost friend and just lived out your christian walk in front of them? ...without pressue to cram the bible down there throat. A while back the Lord really burdened my heart with a concept of "a common ground evangelism." If you know me you realize my love for surfing and flying and just praising the Lord for the ability to surf and or fly. I truly believe that the Lord put surfing in my life to spend time with Him, to paddle out past the worries and troubles of the day, to lift up the name of Jesus as i wait for each wave, to be thankful for the waves He's providing and lastly to share my love for Him and my passion for surfing with others simultaneously. There's a special thing that happens when you pursue a hobby or an activity and get your mind set on Christ. Its almost like a shared experience with your creator, it always invokes thankfullness in my heart and sometimes brings a tear to the eye. Oh, and the singing... Yes, there is singing. (its like my own psalm to the Lord, i usually just make up all the words myself and just let Him have it... AND HE LISTENS!)
And then there are days when the waves are flat and i'll take a short drive to the airport, hop in the cessna and take to the sky. A prayer time just you and the Lord at 3,000 feet is amazing. I love praying and singing songs into my headset and hearing myself back through the speakers just letting the Lord know my heart. I remeber one day i took off from Cecil Field and as i was climbing out at about 1,100 feet per minute i hit some moderate turbulence and was just gripping the yoke singing, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns forever above with wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God." It just comforted me to know that i wasnt alone through that bumpy climb to cruising altitude.
Now what are your passions?
Who shares these passions with you?
Take them with you!
In my case it would be to the ocean, to the sky... Do you see the perfect opportunity you have to share an experience of common ground and yet live out your praise and thankfullness infront of them. We almost always pray in the water or on the way to the beach. And its on the checklist in the plane to pray for the safety of the flight. Lets start living this Christian life in front of those who are desperately seeking an upright relationship with God. He's saved us by grace through faith, now let's spend some time with someone who's struggling with the concept of being a christian and have a great time with them in the meanwhile.
I'll leave you with this concept that blew my mind when i first got saved...
"Christians have fun too!"
And then there are days when the waves are flat and i'll take a short drive to the airport, hop in the cessna and take to the sky. A prayer time just you and the Lord at 3,000 feet is amazing. I love praying and singing songs into my headset and hearing myself back through the speakers just letting the Lord know my heart. I remeber one day i took off from Cecil Field and as i was climbing out at about 1,100 feet per minute i hit some moderate turbulence and was just gripping the yoke singing, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns forever above with wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God." It just comforted me to know that i wasnt alone through that bumpy climb to cruising altitude.
Now what are your passions?
Who shares these passions with you?
Take them with you!
In my case it would be to the ocean, to the sky... Do you see the perfect opportunity you have to share an experience of common ground and yet live out your praise and thankfullness infront of them. We almost always pray in the water or on the way to the beach. And its on the checklist in the plane to pray for the safety of the flight. Lets start living this Christian life in front of those who are desperately seeking an upright relationship with God. He's saved us by grace through faith, now let's spend some time with someone who's struggling with the concept of being a christian and have a great time with them in the meanwhile.
I'll leave you with this concept that blew my mind when i first got saved...
"Christians have fun too!"
per diem of grace
I was sent down to Orlando on a business trip and was given a per diem wage to cover my food and travel expenses. It got me thinking about God's per diem of grace that He freely gives each day. It's amazing how He provides the strength, the will, the means, the Way.. He's our comforter, creator and closest friend.
His grace is sufficient!
-thats good news!
And on top of that even when we are burdened by overwhelming temptations, He gives us grace to find a way out. His love and mercy show the way, we must choose to walk with Him.
His grace is sufficient!
-thats good news!
And on top of that even when we are burdened by overwhelming temptations, He gives us grace to find a way out. His love and mercy show the way, we must choose to walk with Him.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
"a fountain of life"
Proverbs 10:11 says, "the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life"
What flows from your lips?
What springs out of your heart?
Does your speach lead others to understanding (which is the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ) or are your words filled with violence?
Encourage someone today in kind words to live this temporary life for the Lord!
What flows from your lips?
What springs out of your heart?
Does your speach lead others to understanding (which is the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ) or are your words filled with violence?
Encourage someone today in kind words to live this temporary life for the Lord!
Get Filtered.
On Sunday morning, Rev Kev shared that we should filter what we take in through the bible. If we only hear the Word of God on Sunday & Wednesday that five days of unfiltered culture we are letting penetrate our minds. Go to the Word daily to filter what goes into your mind so that you may let the truth remain in your heart.
Proverbs says to, "guard your heart."
Filter the lies of this world through the Words of Life.
Get Filtered!
Proverbs says to, "guard your heart."
Filter the lies of this world through the Words of Life.
Get Filtered!
the path...
"the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn.. shining ever brighter till the full light of day"
The closer we get to the Lord, the more of His light we see.. The more of His light we shine.. Are u on a path towards His glory? Is the dawn trying to break through the darkest parts of your life? Take a step towards Him today!
The closer we get to the Lord, the more of His light we see.. The more of His light we shine.. Are u on a path towards His glory? Is the dawn trying to break through the darkest parts of your life? Take a step towards Him today!
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